LabourStart headline - Source: Africa Review

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I realize that the article is linked but I'm disappointed that Labor Start would publish this ruling class meme:


The stakes are high, said mining analyst Peter Major from financial services group Cadiz.

"This two-union duke-out means power, money, political and economic clout and prestige for the winner," he told news agency AFP.

With wage bargaining rights, cars and on-site offices among the victor's perks, the bitter, sometimes deadly rivalry has raised fears of further unrest after paralysing stoppages and bloodshed last year.




After forcing hefty pay hikes by sidestepping historic wage negotiation channels, AMCU is demanding increased concessions from mining companies and the government.

At the same time, it is avoiding formal commitments itself.

It was the only union to abstain from a pact to stabilise the mining industry which companies signed with labour unions and the government begin July.

It does sound as though AMCU knows which side it is on. On the other hand:


What started as joint opposition to the white-minority regime has become a mutually beneficial relationship, blurring the lines between labour, business and government.

ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa is a NUM founder, one of the country's richest people and until January this year Lonmin chairman.