Numsa said the industrial action follows years of unresolved grievances, highlighting that workers have not received a meaningful salary increase in over a decade despite operating in high-risk environments.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) have downed tools at Manengena Contractors, which operates at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Rustenburg operations, entering the third day of a protected strike on Friday over wages and working conditions.
According to Numsa, the strike is impacting several key shafts, including Roland, K3, Saffy and Thembelani, where workers provide essential underground services.
The strike adds to ongoing labour tensions in the mining sector, where wage disputes and concerns over working conditions continue to pose risks to production and operational stability.
Numsa said the industrial action follows years of unresolved grievances, highlighting that workers have not received a meaningful salary increase in over a decade despite operating in high-risk environments.
The union has tabled a series of demands, including a R3,000 basic salary increase and a guaranteed 13th cheque. Workers are also calling for improved allowances, including R4,000 for housing, R2,000 as a risk allowance for underground work, and additional compensation for shifts and standby duties.
Further demands include employer contributions to a provident fund, medical aid and funeral cover, as well as improved annual and sick leave provisions.
Numsa criticised what it described as the employer’s failure to recognise the rising cost of living and the hazardous nature of the work performed by its members.
“It is an indictment of the mining industry that these workers… have not received a meaningful salary increase in eleven years,” the union said.
The union has called on Manengena Contractors to urgently return to the negotiating table and engage in good faith to resolve the dispute, warning that failure to do so could lead to further escalation.
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