African trade unions want mining companies to follow COVID-19 protocols25 March, 2020Mining unions in Sub Saharan Africa are calling for due diligence and adherence to health and safety standards, and national and supranational protocols to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). These calls come amidst national states of disasters and lockdowns in most countries.
Peru’s government puts economic interests before miners’ safety23 March, 2020Even though Peru’s government has introduced a curfew and state of emergency, mineworkers still have to go to work without any virus-protection measures.
Sintracarbón announces possible strike action at Cerrejón Colombia20 March, 2020The national union of workers in the coal industry (Sintracarbón, which is affiliated to IndustriALL in Colombia) voted in favour of a strike at the multinational Cerrejón 50 days after failing to reach an agreement in the negotiations to renew the current collective agreement.
Strengthening health and safety in Myanmar’s mines16 March, 2020Health and safety is a constant worry among miners in Myanmar. Mining Workers Federation of Myanmar (MWFM), the IndustriALL Global Union affiliate representing 7,500 miners in the country, is calling on the government and employers to improve health and safety, like ensuring emergency exits, clean drinking water and fire extinguishers at the worksites.
Marble quarry accident highlights ongoing slaughter in Pakistan mines26 February, 2020At least ten people were killed and 30 were trapped after a rock slide at a marble quarry in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on 22 February. The horrific accident highlights the ongoing slaughter in Pakistan’s mines, which kill 200 workers each year.
Can global mining companies meet society’s expectations? 25 February, 2020What will it take mining companies to meet the expectations of society? Responsible Mining Index Report 2020 has found that mining companies are failing in their environmental, social and corporate governance commitments that would put them on the path to meeting society’s expectations.
Unions optimistic as AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi mine in Ghana resumes operations20 February, 2020Following a period of uncertainty, when the Obuasi mine was put on limited operations, and then on care and maintenance in 2016, the mine is up and running again.
Unions can play an important role in intra-African trade13 February, 2020Trade unions as workers’ organizations can play important roles in intra-African trade between Sierra Leone and South Africa to ensure sustainable decent work, health and safety, and living wages, says IndustriALL Global Union affiliate, the National Union of Mineworkers.
Sustainability and Just Transition key to the future of mining in Africa6 February, 2020Environmental, social and governance issues remain challenges for the mining industry as it grapples with the new challenges of climate change and Industry 4.0.
Union to negotiate with Glencore over retrenchments at South African smelter30 January, 2020IndustriALL Global Union affiliate the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), will meet commodity trader Glencore in consultative meetings about retrenchments at Rustenburg Smelter. The meetings will be mediated by the Commission of Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
