The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Thursday said that production at the Golden Falls mine, formerly Cape Diamonds Elandslaagte mine, has been brought to a halt by mineworkers who have downed tools until they are awarded better wages.
The NUM said the workers downed tools on Wednesday and were willing to strike indefinitely.
Workers have demanded a 15% wage increment across the board, an immediate engagement on the 2008/09 wage negotiations and the equivalent of one month’s salary as an annual bonus.
They have also asked for a R100 meal allowance per month for all non-management workers and 18 working days’ annual leave.
“We are on an indefinite strike until mine management understands that we are also part of a society affected by high inflation that cannot go on without wage increment,” said Sethetso Raletooane, the NUM’s regional organiser in Kimberley.
The trade union said a memorandum was delivered to Golden Falls management on Wednesday.
Golden Falls is situated in Holpan between Barkley West and Winsorton, about 30km from Kimberley in the Northern Cape. — I-Net Bridge