Kumba+will+be+on+strike+come+Sunday,+Eddie+Majadibodu,+NUM

NUM PRESS RELEASE, July 27 2006
="COME SUNDAY, KUMBA WILL BE ON STRIKE"=

Attempts aimed at resolving the wages and conditions of service dispute at Kumba Resources failed. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has, as a result, served the company with a notice for a strike action.

Eddie Majadibodu, Chief Negotiator at Kumba, said; "after consultation with our members we have opted to strike, because we are of the view that the company is not prepared to improve the conditions and wages of workers. Consequently, on Sunday our members will down tools. We are also encouraged by the fact that Solidarity has taken a similar decision on this matter, thereby making this a collective action by workers at Kumba"

Among issues that remain are:


 * to pay 70%, compared to current 60%, for maternity leave;
 * to develop social plan guidelines
 * offer appropriate time of sick leave in order to enable ill workers to recuperate prior to returning to work
 * to offer wage increase of 9% at higher grade and 10.5% at lower levels - and the company offers 6.5%

"We remain open to discussions with the company in order to find an amicable solution to this current impasse, be it now or during the course of the strike", said Majadibodu.

Over 4000 members of the NUM will join the strike that will commence on Sunday at 18h00. For further details contact: Eddie Majadibodu @ 0828093227 and/or Jackie Tshimanegape @ 0836324145

HEAD: PUBLICITY AND INFORMATION Tel: 27.11.377-2000 (reception) 27.11.377-2036 (direct) Fax: 0866097515 Cell: 0828045041 Homepage: [|www.num.org.za]**
 * Moferefere Lekorotsoana

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