Mineworkers Union Rejects Disinformation, Affirms Commitment to Construction Workers’ Retirement Fund
Johannesburg, South Africa – The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has issued a strong rebuke against what it terms "disinformation" spread by the Building Construction and Allied Workers’ Union (BCAWU) concerning the Construction Industry Retirement Benefit Fund (CIRBF) Collective Agreement. The NUM insists its actions have consistently aimed to protect and strengthen the fund, which provides crucial retirement benefits for construction workers. The union emphasized its commitment to securing a long-term extension of the agreement that mandates pension fund contributions, ensuring the financial security of its members.
The CIRBF, initially a voluntary initiative established by the NUM, the South African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC), and BCAWU, became compulsory in 2014 with the formation of the Bargaining Council for Civil Engineering. The agreement, which governs the fund, has undergone regular five-year extensions through the Department of Employment and Labour. The NUM underscores that the agreement is an integral component of employment conditions within the construction industry.
The recent controversy arose during the 2023 extension process. Disagreements emerged, primarily regarding the appointment of the fund’s administrator, a concern raised by NUM with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), the Bargaining Council, and other relevant parties. This impasse led to the Department of Employment and Labour’s involvement, guiding the parties to utilize Section 32A of the Labour Relations Act of 1995, which allows any party to apply for an extension. BCAWU subsequently applied for and secured the extension. The NUM asserts that, as a minority union, BCAWU could not have achieved this without the NUM’s support, rejecting the notion of any opposition to the extension.
Further complicating the issue were the 2024 wage negotiations, where the CIRBF agreement again became a point of contention. While a one-year extension to the wage agreement was ultimately reached, it was acknowledged as a suboptimal solution. The NUM emphasizes its proactive role in requesting the Department of Employment and Labour’s intervention to secure this extension, demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of its members and the stability of the industry.
The NUM expresses gratitude to the Minister of Labour and Employment and her team for their efforts in facilitating the extension. The union anticipates constructive engagement over the next 12 months to implement improvements to the CIRBF agreement. The Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry maintains its role as the custodian of this crucial agreement.
The NUM vehemently denies BCAWU’s accusations, dismissing them as "propaganda" and "pure lies." Furthermore, the union criticizes BCAWU’s refusal to sign the current wage agreement, which delayed wage increases for workers. The NUM calls on its members to disregard BCAWU’s claims, emphasizing its unwavering focus on upcoming wage negotiations and the long-term interests of its members. The union urges BCAWU to refrain from using social media platforms to spread misinformation and to prioritize the welfare of construction workers.