In a recent press release issued by the trade union Solidarity, it’s general secretary, Gideon du Plessis, said the time has come for the Lily Mine's business rescue practitioner and management to be honest with their employees. Also, contained in this media statement, was allegations of apparent bribery, biasedness as well as demands that the investor's identity should be made known. Solidarity presents but a handful of workers at the mine.

According to CEO of Vantage Goldfields, Mr Mike McChesney, mine management has been as transparent as they can in regard to what is generally looked upon as normal business procedure.

He said despite Barbrook Mine doing well in September, October and November were not ideal months. There were numerous disruptions and the appointment of a new mining contractor, and everybody could not be paid on the specified date. “We hope to pay all employees within the next few days,” he said.

Solidarity further held that it is alarming and discriminatory that AMCU members and entry workers still receive 100% of their salaries on the specified date, while the skilled workers only receive their pay weeks later.
“This decision, which was made in October, was in mutual consent between mine management, AMCU and members of Solidarity,” said McChesney.

According to management, they tried to catch up on the losses during November, but political interference from rival unions caused further tensions at Barbrook.

McChesney explained that these civil unrests did not always involve their employees. There is one recognised union and, while management communicates with all employees, there is constant contact with union leadership.
“These incidents have nonetheless led to work being halted from time to time which again has an impact on production,” he said.

As far as people being laid off, management said that this is standard business practice.
“Scaling down simply means that management makes a decision to keep the business viable and to do so in a professional way. The employees that were laid off are supervisors and senior people, not general workers,”

“Mine management strongly rejects all references of so-called bribery,” said McChesney.

Solidarity went ahead and said that the investor's identity should be made known.

“Information with regards to investors will not be disclosed under any circumstances. Not only is this a highly sensitive matter, but it is not normal business policy to make such information public before an agreement is finalised. Only on completion thereof, will the name of the investor be announced.”

Issued by: Ama’Zone Media t/a Africa InTouch
Written by: Anchen Coetzee
On behalf of: Vantage Goldfields Limited 
Photos: Anchen Coetzee

Read more about Lily Mine HERE