Botswana’s sole gold miner, Mupane mine has reportedly resolved terminate employment contracts for over 200 of its employees.
The decision was revealed after an intense two-day meeting with Botswana Mine Workers Union national executive committee in Francistown on Tuesday. The meeting marked the first, for the four directors of Hawks Mining the company operating Mupane mine, to meet with Botswana Mine workers Union (BMWU) since operations at the mine came to a halt in March this year.
In a short interview with Ngami Times, BMWU representatives Biki Sikwane and Mbiganyi Gaekgotswe revealed that they had demanded to meet with Hawks mining directors to establish their plans regarding their employees.
“It is now six months since Mupane mine workers were told to go home. They have not been paid salaries or benefits since. So, we wanted to know what they are thinking regarding the welfare of these employees. This is how they agreed to convene to this meeting,” said Sikwane.
“In our negotiations, Hawks mining indicated they are financially challenged, with the wage bill being their biggest strain. Therefore, they have decided to terminate all contracts with their employees, effective 31st July this year. This is where we are so far,” continued Sikwane.
“So they will now start to work on the termination packages for the employees, and BMWU will be an oversight body to ensure our members are happy with the packages they are receiving.” Drafts of the termination letters were expected by yesterday (Thursday).
Sikwane was however quick to say the termination of employment for workers does not mean the mine is closed. “From what the directors were saying, it seems they are regrouping themselves. They are only ending contracts with their employees. According to the directors Hawks mining company is still existing. Going forward BMWU will be watching closely whether the mine still has a future or not,” highlighted Sikwane.
“All we were told is that Hawks mining is not doing well financially. We do not have any idea who and how much they are owing. However, it seems they are regrouping and working on a way forward.”
Efforts to get a comment from Cedric Sam, one of Hawks Directors as he walked out from the Tuesday meeting did not bear fruit as he refused to divulge details of their talks with the union, or any details about Hawks mining.
