AMCU workers stage protest over looming retrenchments at Seriti

JOHANNESBURG - Coal miners at Seriti affiliated with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), are on Wednesday staging a protest outside the coal giant's offices in Illovo, north of Johannesburg.

Workers are against looming retrenchments at its Mpumalanga operations. Moreover, the workers have issued a warning to the coal giant of potential disruptions to its operations in the province.

If the retrenchment proposal goes ahead, more than 1,100 employees could lose their jobs.

Dozens of AMCU-affiliated workers protesting against Seriti’s have expressed their fears and frustrations over the looming job losses.

READ: Seriti Resources plan to cut 1137 coal jobs a ‘declaration of war’ - NUM

The company's restructuring process, currently under way, could result in significant job cuts at its Middleburg Mine Services and Klipspruit coal operations in Mpumalanga.

AMCU's general secretary, Jeff Mphahlele, highlighted the profound impact these layoffs could have on workers and their communities.

"Remember that every black worker is supporting not less than 10 people – their families, relatives, and others who depend on them."

Union leaders are expected to hand over a memorandum of demands to Seriti’s management.

AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa said the mines in Mpumalanga contribute a total of 80% of South Africa’s coal supply. 

He added Seriti’s closure of two operations in the province would cripple not only the livelihood of the workers, but the country too. 

“So, it's not going to be mine workers that will suffer, even Eskom workers will suffer the fate. These mines are the backbone of Mpumalanga and surrounding communities. So therefore, if you close down these mines, what will be the future, the livelihoods of the people of Mpumalanga?”

Management from Seriti has refused to comment on the workers’ demands, indicating that the COO was in Cape Town.