The Gold One Modder East Operation is grappling with the potential loss of around 150 more jobs as the company takes disciplinary action against mineworkers involved in unauthorized strikes. This comes on the heels of the dismissal of 400 employees in the wake of labor disputes and two hostage situations in 2023.
The turmoil arose when supporters of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) allegedly pressured Gold One to terminate its closed-shop agreement with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), a rival union. Without the closed-shop agreement, AMCU could now potentially represent workers at the mine.
The 400 workers were dismissed for breaching the mine’s internal disciplinary processes and disregarding court interdicts against unauthorized strikes during the labor dispute. Ziyaad Hassam, Gold One’s head of legal, revealed that some workers remain under suspension, with hearings for the 140 employees likely to take place within the next week.
Hassam also mentioned that the process of recognizing AMCU as one of the mine’s unions in Springs is still ongoing. The closed-shop agreement with NUM terminated on December 14, prompting engagements with AMCU.
The verification of membership forms submitted by AMCU will be facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA). The outcome of this process will shape the future union representation at the Gold One Modder East Operation.
