Mine construction workers contracted by Anglo Platinum and Impala Platinum downed tools on Sunday in protest at how their working conditions and salary increases have been negotiated.

The industrial action involves 10,000 workers affiliated to JIC Mining Services and went ahead after a court ruled that a certificate of dispute non-resolution granted months ago by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) was valid, business.iafrica.com reports.

Lesiba Seshoka, Spokesperson of the National Union of Mineworkers, said that the CCMA dispute centred on mining companies failing to make good on their pledges to improve safety standards at their operations.

He said: "We want zero fatalities in the industry."

The Congress of SA Trade Unions has previously declared its "total support" for strike action.

The JIC Mining Services employees are also contracted by ARM and Bafokeng Rasimone.

Source:

Mine workers down tools, 11/11/07
http://business.iafrica.com/news/918099.htm

Num eyes one-day mine safety strike, 07/11/07
http://business.iafrica.com/news/910872.htm

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