The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is planning protests and a day of mourning to highlight its concerns over mining fatalities, according to a statement released by its national executive committee (NEC) on Tuesday.
“The NEC noted with serious concern the over 27% increment in mine deaths on a month-to-month comparison leading to end of March 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010,” it said.
“The [NEC] therefore resolved that regions begin with build-up protest actions leading to an industry-wide day of mourning to be observed later this year, around September.”
The union also resolved to oppose outsourced companies, which it feels are at the centre of the accidents, and that workers are then not paid compensation for their injuries. — Sapa