What has now become known as the Association of Mine-workers and Construction Union’s (AMCU) living wage strike on the platinum mining belt in the North West, is into its 3rd month. The effects have been disastrous and well documented. R10 billion lost by the world’s top three platinum mining companies, R4.5 billion lost by workers and their families in wages, and a yet undetermined amount of money lost by businesses in the mining towns, and government in taxes.
My previous post was about the acquisition of mineral rights and the accession to power of multinational mining houses in SA. For context, in this post I examine the similarities between AMCU’s current strike and the historic 1987 strike by its rival the National Union of Mine-workers (NUM).
Despite the time that’s lapsed since the 87′ strike, the similarities in demands by workers are glaring. Both strikes were called for better wages and living conditions, and both crippled the mining industry.
Take a look at Afravision’s Miners Strike documentary on the events that unfolded in 1987.
GRASSROOTS 