About 6 000 workers at Botswana’s four diamond mines went on strike on Monday, defying a court order banning the work stoppage in the Southern African country, the world’s leading producer of uncut diamonds.
The miners launched the strike after they failed to resolve a dispute over wage and bonus demands with the gold mining company Debswana.
”The strike is on. Everything is at a standstill in all four mines,” said Jack Tlhagale of the Botswana Mining Workers Union, referring to the Orapa, Jwaneng, Letlhakane and Damtsha mines.
”The workers say they are aware of the ‘no work, no pay’ policy and even the dismissal threats. They say they will be ready for any eventuality,” said Tlhagale.
Botswana’s industrial court ruled on August 6 that a strike by the diamond miners would be illegal, declaring that they failed to follow procedures in the bargaining process and the lack of an agreement on ensuring essential services at the mines.
The court on Sunday reiterated its ruling and said the miners would be in contempt of court if they went on strike.
”Management is trying to use the court to silence us,” said Tlhagale.
Negotiations with Debswana to press demands for a 16% salary increase and a 25% bonus nearly broke down last month but the high-profile mediation of President Festus Mogae on July 31 prompted the diamond miners to return to the negotiation table.
Debswana is offering a 10% wage increase and 10% bonus.
Botswana is the world’s largest producer of uncut diamonds, with production in 2003 reaching a record 30,4-million carats, which amounted to 69% of the total De Beers output.
The diamond industry is by far Botswana’s leading foreign-currency earner, providing 75% of its earnings. — Sapa-AFP