Striking Miners Join Forces

The transcript discusses the escalating tensions in the mining sector, focusing on increasing demands from workers and the resulting strikes at Anglo American Platinum. The situation has led to company shutdowns due to safety concerns and calls for a general strike. Wage talks have begun with Lonmin, but the dispute extends beyond labor issues, with criticism directed at unions and the ANC government. The South African President has called for an end to illegal strikes, emphasizing the need for addressing worker demands within the labor relations framework. Despite this, miners feel empowered and are unwilling to make concessions.

What role do the unions play in the current labor dispute according to the text?

What actions does the South African President call for regarding illegal strikes?