An end to the illegal strikes at three of Botswana’s diamond mines was expected on Thursday, mining company Debswana said on Wednesday, but informal talks with the Botswana Mining Workers Union then snagged on the issue of the reinstatement of strikers who had been fired.
From London, financial analysts started questioning the delay in getting the miners back to work and shares in De Beers-linked Anglo American came under pressure.
De Beers is a 50/50 partner with the Botswana government in Debswana.
Union general secretary Donald Lobotse said on Wednesday evening the union would settle for the offer on the table is Debswana would hire the fired workers.
”We will settle if they reinstate them,” he said. ”We want to settle — and not through the courts.”
The strikes have been ruled illegal and the workers were on Saturday warned of contempt charges if they stopped work. A contempt of court hearing against 33 striking miners — all union officials — postponed on Tuesday will resume on Thursday afternoon.
Debswana human resources manger Jacob Sesinyi said on Wednesday Debswana was concerned about the welfare of the striking workers.
”The disciplinary process has started, strikers are being fired. Once the process reaches a faster pace and we start to hire new workers, Debswana cannot be responsible for what happens to them,” he said.
Strikers at court during the contempt hearing said the workers had been dismissed instantly and they and their families ordered to quit mine housing by the end of August. – Sapa