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Eskom taking measures in case of NUM coal strike

Cape Town - Eskom is aware of a looming coal strike by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and is concerned about the possible duration of the strike, as well as possible acts of intimidation against Eskom coal suppliers not affiliated with NUM.

Eskom told Fin24 on Monday that it nevertheless has a healthy coal stockpile across all of its coal-fired power stations.

NUM's spokesperson Livhuwani Mammburu told Fin24 on Friday that the union plans to start a coal strike on Sunday 19 November due to a unresolved wage dispute. 

Last week NUM obtained a certificate of non-resolution from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

Both the Chamber of Mines, as well as NUM, told Fin24 they were hopeful that the current dispute could be resolved.
 
Eskom on Monday said that, although its coal stockpiles are healthy, it is currently reviewing its supply to assess the possible impact of a strike, as not all of the suppliers are members of the SA Chamber of Mines.

Some of the suppliers have already concluded their wage negotiations for the year with their respective unions.

"To mitigate the impact from this impending strike, Eskom is working tirelessly to reclaim coal from current stockpiles, as well as build up operational stockpiles," Eskom told Fin24.

It said it will do everything within its means to minimise the impact of the strike on its coal supply.

Earlier on Monday Fin24 reported that Harmony Gold will approach the Labour Court to get an urgent interdict after a wildcat strike broke out at its Kusasalethu gold mine near Carletonville in Gauteng.

NUM claims four of its members working at the mine had their houses and cars torched in acts of "intimidation”, allegedly by members of AMCU (Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union).

AMCU did not immediately reply to a request for comment. 

In a statement Harmony appealed to employees to return to work, and condemned any act of violence or intimidation.

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