320k Num workers to strike

Thu, 03 Jul 2008

The National Union of Mineworkers (Num) on Wednesday started its preparations for a national strike by getting 320 000 of its members to support action against high electricity and food prices.

Spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said 320 000 of its members would strike in August.

This strike would be part of the Congress of South African Trade Unions' programme of action against rising food prices and soaring electricity tariffs.

The national strike was expected to begin on 6 August.

Num secretary general Frans Baleni said: "We want to send a very strong message that the poor are part of this society, which puts electricity, food and everything beyond their reach.

"Fuel costs have skyrocketed, making it difficult for workers to move from the mines to see their families, rate hikes make life unbearable for ordinary poor workers, while the price of basic food is unaffordable, sending millions into starvation."

According to Num, thousands of members have shown their intention to support the strike action provincially and nationally.

In KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape the strikes were expected to start on 9 July.

In Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape and the Free State the strike action would start on 16 July.

In Limpopo, North West and Gauteng, strikes would begin on 23 July, all culminating in the national strike in August.