Xstrata fires 1,000 workers over strike

"I can confirm that 1,000 employees who participated in an unprotected strike at Helena‚ Magareng and Thorncliffe chrome mines have been dismissed‚" said spokesman Christopher Tsatsawane.

The dismissed workers had until 4pm on Tuesday (4 June) to appeal against the decision.

Workers downed tools last week‚ alleging that a shift supervisor assaulted a worker. The strike started at the Helena mine in Steelpoort on Tuesday (28 May) and by the following day it had spread to the Magareng and Thorncliffe operations.

Tsatsawane said the worker and shift supervisor had been put on special leave to ensure the smooth running and finalisation of the matter.

"We remain committed to the finalisation of this matter‚ which will be overseen by an independent person."

He said the company condemned violence and intimidation and would work with the authorities to resolve the situation peacefully and ensure the safety of its employees.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge