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Labour unions, mining companies need to prevent job losses - Frans Baleni
The Mining Indaba is seeing many interesting discussions regarding the key players of the mining sector. From a labour angle former National Union of Mineworkers General Secretary, Frans Baleni argued that mining companies and labour unions need to work more closely together in order to minimise the possibilities of job losses. He spoke to CNBC Africa’s Fifi Peters at ongoing African Mining Indaba in Cape Town.
Tue, 05 Feb 2019 14:44:18 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- The importance of closer collaboration between mining companies and labor unions to minimize job losses and violence in the sector
- Strategic planning for the future of labor in the mining industry, including long-term investments, exploration, and effective implementation of the mining charter
- Addressing infrastructure challenges such as electricity costs and promoting peaceful conflict resolution to create a conducive environment for investment
The ongoing African Mining Indaba in Cape Town has brought together key players in the mining sector to discuss the future of the industry. One of the prominent voices at the event is Frans Baleni, the former National Union of Mineworkers General Secretary, who emphasized the need for closer collaboration between mining companies and labor unions to prevent job losses in the sector. Baleni expressed concerns about the current state of the relationship between the two parties, stating that the adversarial approach could lead to further job losses and violence. He highlighted the impact of past strikes on job numbers and cautioned against repeating the same mistakes in the future.
Baleni stressed the importance of strategic planning for the future of labor in the mining industry, calling for long-term investments and exploration to ensure sustainability. He noted that limiting mining activities to existing mines without exploring new deposits would hinder future growth and competitiveness. Additionally, he pointed out the need for effective implementation of the mining charter and creating a conducive environment for investment in South Africa's mining sector.
Addressing the issue of escalating violence during strike actions, Baleni acknowledged the negative impact on investor confidence and emphasized the need for peaceful conflict resolution. He highlighted the importance of addressing infrastructure challenges such as electricity costs to create a favorable business environment. Baleni urged stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to find solutions that benefit the economy and avoid exacerbating unemployment rates.
Responding to concerns about proposed electricity tariff increases by S-Com, Baleni called for a balanced approach that considers both the utility's revenue needs and the impact on mining jobs. He emphasized the necessity of stakeholders, including the government, collaborating to find mutually beneficial solutions to the tariff issue. Regarding the transition to Mining 4.0 and the increasing role of technology in the industry, Baleni advocated for proactive measures to ensure that workers are adequately prepared for the digital age. He underscored the importance of collaboration between labor, businesses, and educational institutions to anticipate and address the changes brought about by the fourth industrial revolution.
In conclusion, Frans Baleni's insights at the African Mining Indaba highlight the urgent need for mining companies and labor unions to work together towards a sustainable and productive future for the mining sector. By fostering a cooperative relationship, addressing key challenges, and preparing for technological advancements, the industry can overcome current obstacles and thrive in the evolving global market.
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