This follows Mantashe’s decision to allow mines to operate on 50% capacity, after the president Cyril Ramaphosa announced the easing of lockdown restrictions to level 4.

This was to allow various economic activities to commence from May 1. Union spokesperson, Cornelius Manhe, says that mines in the Northern Cape took advantage of this, taking shortcuts in implementing the return-to-work business plan.

He says some mines cut workers’ salaries, forced them to take unpaid leave, and are not paying the salaries of workers who applied to the Department of Labour for UIF.

Manhe says the DMRE should immediately stop mining companies that are not complying with the regulations. He further adds the Department of Labour should send out inspectors to monitor compliance of contractors operating at mines.

Manhe concluded by saying union members must refuse to work where necessary strict measures are not in place to protect them from the coronavirus.

OFM News