Go to AfricaBib home

Go to AfricaBib home Africana Periodical Literature Go to database home

bibliographic database
Line
Previous page New search

The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here

Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:From fatalism to mass action: the South African National Union of Mineworkers' struggle for safety and health
Author:Leger, Jean
Year:1988
Periodical:Labour, Capital and Society
Volume:21
Issue:2
Pages:270-292
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:trade unions
mining
mine accidents
Abstract:The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the largest and most representative union of black miners, and the Chamber of Mines, the employer organization to which all the major mining corporations in South Africa belong, stand opposed on the issue of safer working conditions in South African mines. Amongst mining employers the view is widely maintained that safety is a managerial prerogative. The aftermath of recent disasters, particularly Kinross in 1986, has seen workers and the NUM challenging this view in a struggle waged in three spheres. Firstly, in the legal arena provided by accident inquiries and inquests, where the NUM frequently represents deceased workers. Secondly, in militant industrial action taken by workers, generally in response to disasters. Thirdly, health and safety demands have become part of the annual industry-wide negotiations and in October 1987 the first safety and health recognition agreement was signed with the Phalaborwa Mining Company. In some areas important reforms have been made by the State inspectorate, while in other respects they have concertedly placed new obstacles in the way of improved safety. Employers argue that greater safety will only be achieved by increased mechanization, a powerful rationalization for the increasing number of retrenchments. Notes, ref., sum. in French.
Views