Namibia miners want government help to stop job cuts at Sinomine Copper Smelter. The Mineworkers Union asked competition officials to block voluntary job separation plans at the Tsumeb plant. Union leaders say the company breaks rules from when it bought the mine last August. George Ampweya leads the union and wants authorities to investigate before workers lose jobs. Competition officials promised they will review the complaint soon.
Sinomine took over the copper business from Dundee Precious Metals through a merger deal. Government regulators said no Namibian workers could lose jobs for three years after the takeover. The company announced it would shut down copper production temporarily due to tough market conditions. Sinomine wants to cut costs between 30 and 40 percent through major changes. Plant managers plan to eliminate 260 jobs from their 650 workers through buyout packages.
Ampweya believes the separation program disguises illegal job cuts that violate merger conditions. Workers face pressure to accept money offers during uncertain times without proper union talks. Company spokeswoman Alina Garises says the smelter needs major restructuring to survive difficult global conditions. The plant will operate under maintenance mode until business improves. Competition Commission spokesperson Diina Gowases promises officials will respond after they finish their formal review.
Sinomine took over the copper business from Dundee Precious Metals through a merger deal. Government regulators said no Namibian workers could lose jobs for three years after the takeover. The company announced it would shut down copper production temporarily due to tough market conditions. Sinomine wants to cut costs between 30 and 40 percent through major changes. Plant managers plan to eliminate 260 jobs from their 650 workers through buyout packages.
Ampweya believes the separation program disguises illegal job cuts that violate merger conditions. Workers face pressure to accept money offers during uncertain times without proper union talks. Company spokeswoman Alina Garises says the smelter needs major restructuring to survive difficult global conditions. The plant will operate under maintenance mode until business improves. Competition Commission spokesperson Diina Gowases promises officials will respond after they finish their formal review.
