MMIC workers face harsh reality

Letšeng and MGC last month announced that they had agreed to a mutual separation to maintain ethical governance and resolve conflict-related concerns.

The mine further indicated in a statement that the termination was due to the fact that MGC’s director and chairperson, prime minister Samuel Matekane was now active in politics.

Matekane Mining Investment Company had been providing Letšeng Diamonds with loading, hauling, digging, drilling and haulage services since 2004.

As part of the agreement, the mine – which revealed it would be insourcing services – would absorb MMIC staff. The company has 553 employees at Letšeng and as many as 138 (25 percent) could find themselves jobless, at a time when the country is grappling with high unemployment.

It has since emerged that Letšeng plans to reduce its tonnage by 25 percent and this will, as a result, affect mechanics, machine operators and spotters who are involved in this type of work.

Retrenchment is a sad experience for anyone. Being retrenched might immediately bring concerns about one’s financial future. This can lead to many negative feelings such as stress, anxiety, loss of control, helplessness and anger.

It is therefore, not surprising that MMIC employees are dealing with anxiety in this time of uncertainty.

After it turned out the MMIC workers were not members of the Construction and Mining Workers Union, this puts them at a disadvantage when negotiating termination packages.

We can only hope that negotiations are conducted in good faith.