Debswana Mine Workers Go On Strike

Diamond mining at four of Debswana’s mines came to a stop today (Monday) as workers called for a strike after wage negotiations, that started in March, still have not yielded an agreement.

Despite a court ruling earlier this month that workers cannot legally strike, workers did just that in the world’s biggest diamond producing country, which relies heavily on diamond revenues.

“The strike is on. Everything is at a standstill in all four mines,” Botswana Mining Workers Union representative Jack Tlhagale told the AFP news agency, referring to the Orapa, Jwaneng, Letlhakane and Damtsha mines.

“The workers say they are aware of the 'no work, no pay' policy and even the dismissal threats. They say they will be ready for any eventuality,” he added.