Workers blast Mines Union
Mining Activities in the three amalgamated mining communities of Bo, Moyamba and Bonthe are yielding no good dividend for the people and the country as a whole. The mining community is currently faced with serious criticisms for not meeting not only their corporate social responsibilities, but also poor conditions of service, poor medical facilities and other human right abuse cases reported are the order of the day. Several workers are allegedly sacked for no good reason while those managing the company are abusing workers and even threatening them of been sacked if they attempt to ask any question.
Reports reaching this reporter state that PW Mining International Limited which is contracted by Sierra Minerals Limited, is currently mining bauxite at the Nitti Mining Site in Gondama Village, Moyamba District. The six year contract signed has come to a conclusion, thereby paving the way for a new mining company, Vimetco, taking over responsibility. But it seems as if the out-going company has created more room for enmity within the workers and also showing less concern on community development. In spite of several complaint made by over four hundred workers in the amalgamated mining communities, the United Mineworkers Union have paid no attention in solving the problems of maladministration, deprivation and disrespect for the labour force.
Investigations conducted by this reporter state that PW Mining International is suffering from serious financial crisis which has led to the company redundant the present workforce so as to make a better preparation to enter into a new contract agreement with Vimetco. Speaking to this reporter at their Gondama Mining Site, the aggrieved workers criticized their union of been dormant despite the stack reality that they are collecting Le5, 000 from each workers monthly salary. The Union’s Secretary General, Ezekiel Dyke is currently under pressure for his selfish decision of suggesting to the management of PW Mining that workers are to be paid their redundant package instead of pay-off.
The workers who are expected to receive their entitlements on 13th November 2010 before the company raps up on 15th November said they totally against the imposition of one Mr. Swaray who was handpicked by the Union’s Scribe, Mr. Dyke as a representative that should help solve some of the problems faced by workers. This led to the call for an election for trustworthy individual that is willing to serve the workforce.
Report states that in a meeting held early this year, the aggrieved workers nearly manhandle their National Secretary General, Mr. Dyke for condemning a four days strike action for unfair treatment meted on them in the workplace. “He was lucky enough we did not lay hands on him because we have a great respect for the Paramount Chief and Local Unit Commander that were present at the meeting,” says one of the workers who preferred to be anonymous due to the fact that he will be sacked if the company or Union knew that he is complaining about existing problems.
Giving his own side of the story, the National Secretary General, Ezekiel Dyke revealed that the union is working in the best interest of workers, and added that they are representing over ten mining company workers in the country. “We are always ensuring that every worker get an improved condition of service. We will never condone workers whole steal fuel or embark in any abnormal activity. There must be a reason for the termination of a worker,” he said.
By Fadda Bakish, Freetown
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