Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - November 7, 2009
Among demands listed on a memorandum handed over to company CEO Ben Magara, were salary adjustments and the immediate stop to the "victimisation of workers based on compulsory HIV/Aids voluntary tests and counselling results", said spokesman Lefty Mashego.
"The company adjusted salaries of certain individuals... others have been left out and this is unfair because we all work for the same company," he said.
The union also demanded that the company implement agreements reached at the Chamber of Mines including the building of child care facilities and the implementation of the funeral cover for dependants.
"It is our conviction that hence there has been an agreement [as far back as 2002/2003] on child care facilities, the company must build these facilities as a matter of urgency as non-compliance has compromised the dignity of its women workers," Mashego said.
Workers who marched to the company's headquarters on Marshall street in Johannesburg were bussed in from NUM's Highveld branches like Goedehoop, New Denmark, Kriel Coal, New Vaal, Isibonelo and Grenside.
The company could not be immediately reached for comment but on Friday, it said it had noted the union's intention to march "with disappointment".
"Despite having all the forums at operational level and corporate level, designed to allow the union leadership to raise concerns, as well as having direct access to the executive team of Anglo Coal, the Anglo Coal leadership of NUM has opted to march to the Johannesburg office.
"In a letter sent to the Chief Executive Officer of Anglo Coal, Ben Magara, NUM cites racism, transformation as well as issues pertaining to the recognition agreement signed between the company and the union as the reasons for the march," it said.
The company said it believed it had made significant progress on the issues that the NUM leadership had raised.
"We have shared information on these issues with them as we regard all employee representative organisations as partners in our business, be it on safety, employee benefits, HIV and AIDS, transformation and many other issues that affect our people," Magara said.
He said he believed that the issues raised by the NUM could be resolved around a negotiating table.
"The company will endeavour to strengthen the relationship as well as support the negotiations in every way possible."
091107
SA091101
Copyright © 2009 - South African Press Association. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the South African Press Association, Cotswold House, Greenacres Office Park, Cnr. Victory & Rustenburg Roads, VICTORY PARK, PO BOX 7766, JOHANNESBURG, 2000; Fax No: +27 11 782-1587/8, Tel No: +27 11 782-1600.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2009. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2009. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .