South Deep strike ends

Workers at the South Deep mine in South Africa have ended their week-old labour dispute.

South Deep is a 50-50 joint venture between Placer Dome (PDG-T) and South Africa’s Western Areas. Placer purchased its half-interest from Western Areas in April 1999 for US$235 million, plus future payments based on production.

“The strike will end immediately and employees will return to working, beginning with the Tuesday [April 10] evening shift,” according to a press release issued jointly by the companies and the union.

On March 29, 2,700 employees walked off the job in protest against holiday scheduling, movement towards continuous operations and the suspension of 13 shop stewards. They were represented by the National Union of Mineworkers, one of four unions representing the operaton’s 5,200 employees.

The new agreement grants six vacation days at Easter and twelve at Christmas to all union members. However, volunteers can be requested to operate the mine during the holidays.

Also, the suspension of the 13 shop stewards has been lifted. An inquiry into their alleged intimidation tactics against other employees and security staff will proceed.

Both sides have agreed to make up the 1,500 oz. in lost production.