Liberty Coal has given retrenched workers an extended period to prove they were employed by Optimum Mine. The new Optimum Mine owners announced an additional 30-day period for former employees to submit proof of employment before being re-employed.
In what Liberty Coal referred to as a reaffirmation of its commitment to prioritising the re-employment of former workers, they opened a window period that started at the beginning of May 2024 and closed on 31 May 2024.
“Liberty understands that the message may not have reached everyone on time and therefore a further 30-day extension has been granted to allow for all previously retrenched employees of OCM to be part of the process,” said Mpumalanga Action Movement (MAM) spokesperson Mpumelelo Mashifane. “Liberty Coal is now in the process of verifying all information received and will, in due course, contact all eligible employees to advise them of the next steps.”
Mashifane explained that the process was in accordance with Optimum’s business rescue plan adopted by 88% of creditors in September 2020. “Liberty Coal, however, wishes to emphasise that this process will require time and patience due to factors beyond its control,” she added. “Over the next two months, Liberty will continue to engage all former employees of OCM.”
In April 2024, Liberty Coal announced various contact channels for employees who were retrenched by OCM during the mine’s business rescue process to submit their contact information and proof of employment, in order to be prioritised for re-employment. “It is important to emphasise that workers and contractors who Optimum did not directly employ in April 2019 do not fall within this category of ex-employees,” Mashifane clarified.
“Liberty Coal remains cognisant of the community’s needs, particularly where employment is concerned. However, the process to rehabilitate the mine and bring it back to full production will take time. Opportunities will be advertised as and when they become available.”
She concluded by encouraging former employees to submit proof of employment along with their ID numbers via WhatsApp on +27673278157 or email communications@Liberty-coal.com or ocmemployees@mamco.co.za before 30 June 2024.
Collen Mdluli, a worker representative, encouraged former colleagues to submit their details, although he expressed suspicions about the process. “Let them submit and see if they will reconsider them. This appears more like a hidden plan, painting a picture of compliance with requirements by the Department of Minerals and Resources and the mining charter, while continuing to mine the coal,” he said.
