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David McKay writes about the latest blow-up between the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and its rival the Association of Mineworkers & Construction Union (Amcu), sparked by the situation at Northam Platinum.
In a war of words, the NUM called Amcu president “a pathological liar” after he accused the NUM of colluding with the police and management following deadly incidents of violence. McKay remarks that in the office and affairs of the labour movement “it’s quite alright to call one another liars and cheats”, but it would be folly to dismiss the shouting, the puffed-out chests, and the finger-pointing. “That’s because we are on the cusp of wage negotiation season in the platinum sector which is where the tenor of this present conflict finds its proper voice.” McKay opines that rather than starting wage talks in an environment of clear-headedness, what is preferred “is a climate of seige; of ‘us and them’ rather than partnership.”
- Read this opinion piece in full at Miningmx
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page