COSATU supports NUM safety strike

By Marthe van der Wolf
8 November 2007

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) says it fully supports the National Union of Mineworkers' (NUM) planned strike.

"The NUM wants to hold a one-day strike in protest against the shocking number of deaths and injuries in the South African mines. In the mining industry there is an average of 200 fatalities every year," says Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven.

Minerals and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica has said that she wants to review all mines in South Africa. That way the enforcement of safety regulations can be improved.

"We welcome that the departments director general Sandile Nogxina, has stated that ‘the department is now going to strengthen the enforcement measures’," says Craven.

COSATU calls for the prosecution of anyone whose negligence or incompetence led to deaths and injuries. It demands a policy of strict enforcement of all health and safety laws. Cosatu supports NUM and other unions who take action to protect their members.