Seriti workers who are facing retrenchment accuse govt of ignoring their plight
Seriti plans to close two of its coal operations in Mpumalanga over the festive season, which would result in over 1,100 employees facing retrenchment by December.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU)’s president, Joseph Mathunjwa (L-C), speaks during a retrenchment protest at Seriti’s Johannesburg head office on 2 October 2024. Picture: Mongezi Koko/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Protesting Seriti coal workers, affiliated to the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), have accused government of ignoring their plight, as over 1,100 employees face retrenchment by December.
Seriti plans to close two of its coal operations in Mpumalanga over the festive season.
On Wednesday, throngs of frustrated workers gathered outside the company's Johannesburg head office, demanding action, and government intervention.
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They argue the closure will not only affect their livelihoods but also deal a devastating blow to local communities dependent on the mines for survival.
Union leader Joseph Mathunjwa, armed with a memorandum of demands, insisted that Seriti’s COO personally receive the document.
However, the protest ended without a resolution, after it was revealed that the COO was currently in Cape Town.
Turning his focus elsewhere, Mthunjwa accused government of failing the black worker.
"They are pushing the agenda by the government of the GNU [Government of National Unity] and our children are the ones who will be bearing the brunt of paying this money [workers' debts] back."
The demonstration ended with a pledge from workers to return until their voices were heard.
Seriti's management has yet to comment on the workers’ demands.