GOLD Fields' production across all South African operations will come to a halt on Sunday if a planned strike action by 52000 workers affiliated to the National Union of Mineworkers goes ahead.
The workers would be marching over the "irregular" implementation of the flexible work capacity testing system.
The system allows mining companies to relieve medically unfit workers off their duties or not employ them in the first place. The union perceives the system to be more of a retrenchment strategy than a safety issue.
Num spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said close to 3000 workers have been "fired" using the functional work capacity.
"We are not opposed to the functional work capacity but certainly have a problem with the manner in which it is implemented," Seshoka said.
Head of Gold Fields' operations in SA, Vishnu Pillay, said his company "fully intends to continue seeking constructive engagement with the Num in an effort to find a solution that is acceptable to the Num, the company and all other stakeholders".
"I am confident that a solution will be found," Pillay said.
Num threatens mass action at Gold Fields
GOLD Fields' production across all South African operations will come to a halt on Sunday if a planned strike action by 52000 workers affiliated to the National Union of Mineworkers goes ahead.
The workers would be marching over the "irregular" implementation of the flexible work capacity testing system.
The system allows mining companies to relieve medically unfit workers off their duties or not employ them in the first place. The union perceives the system to be more of a retrenchment strategy than a safety issue.
Num spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said close to 3000 workers have been "fired" using the functional work capacity.
"We are not opposed to the functional work capacity but certainly have a problem with the manner in which it is implemented," Seshoka said.
Head of Gold Fields' operations in SA, Vishnu Pillay, said his company "fully intends to continue seeking constructive engagement with the Num in an effort to find a solution that is acceptable to the Num, the company and all other stakeholders".
"I am confident that a solution will be found," Pillay said.