Evaluation of Labor Agency Strategy: The Case of a Strike at a South African Opencast Mine in 2012

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-369
Author(s):  
John Mashayamombe
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
The South ◽  
Mining Sector ◽  
Opencast Mine ◽  
Power Resources ◽  
Platinum Belt ◽  
Wildcat Strike ◽  
Power And Agency ◽  
Labor Conflicts

The South African mining sector has experienced labor conflicts characterized by militancy and violence. Militancy and violence was evident along South Africa’s platinum belt between 2012 and 2014. In the case of Huntington mine, about three hundred workers managed to pull a spectacular strike action when they captured mine equipment and threatened to destroy it if their demands were not met. Drawing together concepts of space, power, and agency, it is argued that the wildcat strike was a failure because power resources were not consolidated and used effectively. As a result, their demands were not met, and they lost their jobs at Huntington mine.

scholarly journals The "Double-edged Sword" of Institutional Power: COSATU, Neo-liberalisation and the Right to Strike

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carin Runciman
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
The South ◽  
Labour Relations ◽  
Institutional Power ◽  
Power Resources ◽  
Legal Provisions ◽  
The Right

On 1 January 2019 amendments to the Labour Relations Act came into force that significantly altered and curtailed the right to protected strike action in South Africa. Internationally, the right to strike has been eroded in recent years with many countries adopting legal provisions that violate the International Labour Organization’s principles. Comparatively, the rights of South African workers to go on protected strikes remain better than many other places in the world, a reflection of the militant history of the South African labour movement. But the erosion of these rights, with the active support of the Congress of South African Trade Unions, should be a cause for concern for activists and labour scholars in South Africa and beyond. This article develops the Power Resources Approach to consider how union institutional power has entrenched neo-liberalism in South Africa. Grounding the analysis of institutional power within the analytical framework of corporatism allows this article to develop an analysis of institutional power that is attentive to class forces. This provides an avenue for understanding the “double-edged sword” of institutional power in the South African context in order to comprehend when and under what circumstances trade unions advance and defend the interests of the working class and when they defend those of capital.  KEY WORDS: labour; neo-liberalism; institutional power; corporatism; South Africa

scholarly journals Research into occupational noise induced hearing loss in South African large-scale mines: Access denied?

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nomfundo F. Moroe ◽  
Katijah Khoza-Shangase
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
South African ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
The South ◽  
Mining Sector ◽  
Share Information ◽  
Focal Person

Background: The South African mining industry is frequently criticized for its poor health and safety record and high numbers of fatalities, thereby prompting researchers to conduct research on challenges faced by this industry. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of conducting audiological research into occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL) within the South African mining sector. Specific objectives involved determining ease of identifying focal persons in charge of hearing conservation programmes (HCP); establishing response time and rate of identified focal person for interviews; and exploring focal person’s willingness to share information regarding HCP. Methods: A qualitative research strategy comprising online desk research and interviews was undertaken through purposive sampling to recruit participants. Data were collected through checklists, logbooks and interviews. Deductive thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Results: Gaining access into the mining sector is negatively impacted by the following factors: firstly, contact details of focal person are not always listed on the websites. Secondly, prolonged response rate between initial contact and the time in which the participants respond. Lastly, unwillingness to share information regarding the management of ONIHL and progress made in HCP at various mines. Conclusions: Findings contribute evidence regarding possible barriers to effective and successful implementation of application of best practice in HCPs; guided by evidence that is contextually relevant. Challenges with accessing mines for research purposes by external and independent researchers arguably impacts on the available evidence produced by mines, due to a possible unavoidable conflict of interest. Success of HCPs depend on objective evidence regardless of whether it paints the mining industry in positive or negative light. It is only when this evidence is critically engaged with, that real and effective solutions can be deliberated and implemented. Clear, transparent, and open lines of communication between various stakeholders are key to achieving this.

scholarly journals Optimization of shift cycles in the South African mining sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 121 (8) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
J. Pelders ◽  
F. Magweregwede ◽  
S.M. Rupprecht
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Employee Morale ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
The South ◽  
Safety Hazards ◽  
Mining Sector ◽  
Current Shift ◽  
Night Shifts ◽  
The Ideal

Increased depths of conventional gold and platinum mines, longer travelling times as working places move further from the shaft, and ancillary activities taking place in the mining cycle reduce the useable time spent at the workface. Current shift lengths of 8 hours 20 minutes may no longer be adequate to complete required mining activities.The impact of mineworker commuting times on shift work is also not well understood. The aim of this research was to draft a framework to optimize shift cycles in order to maximize productivity, health, safety, and wellness in the South African mining sector. The framework was informed by a review of the literature, case studies at a local gold mine and platinum mine, and a workshop with industry experts. The findings indicate potential advantages of extended shift lengths and continuous operations, such as improved productivity, asset utilization, and employee morale. However, concerns included fatigue and the associated safety hazards, particularly when working longer shifts, night shifts, and numerous consecutive shifts. Job demands, personal factors, and commuting times are further considerations when scheduling shifts. The ideal shift system for the mining sector should holistically consider and balance operational requirements, health and safety, and employees' and their families' requirements, and suit the unique needs of each operation. Changes in shift cycles will require a structured change management process, which involves all stakeholders, and could help to enhance the viability of the South African mining sector.

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