Abstract
M.A. (Historical Studies)
Since its inception in 1902 the aimof the Mine Workers' Union (MWU) was to protect the interests of
the White worker. All the strikes organised by the MWU since 1907 had this mission
in mind.
The position of the skilled worker has always been at stake in the relationship between the
government and the mine authorities due to the importance of the goldmine industry. This
relationship has been complicated by the industry's dependence on more expensive skilled
labour on the one hand and the availability of much cheaper unskilled Black labour on the
other hand. White workers who exclusively represented the skilled labour force obtained
guarantees for their position in 1911 when work reservation of certain positions wasgranted
legal recognition. At the slightest threat to their security the White workers exhibited political
power to the extent that this position was considered not negotiable. The MWU's unique
relationship with the National Party since 1948 thus gave unequaled protection to a labour
union.
Socio-political changes in the RSA, especially in the late 1960's and early 1970's, required essential changes
in labour relations. The mine industry has also been drawn into the new labour
dispensation during the early eighties when jobs for coloured groups and Black people were
brought in parity with jobs previously held by White mineworkers.
The new labour dispensation proved to be unavoidable already in 1977. This caused resistance
by the White mineworkers who considered the changes as treason by the National Party. They
used political opportunities in an effort to maintain the status quo in the party's reforms in
labour policy. The process which has been seen as politicising and even as militant petered out
towards the end of 1981 when it was realised that the new labour dispensation was irreversible
and the MWU in collaboration with the Herstige Nasionale Party were unable to obtain a mandate
for amending the new labour policies. The MWU finally turned its back on the National
Party when the Conservative Party was established in 1982. This party came into being in
protest against the National Party's move away from apartheid. The Conservative Party made
provision for white workers' right to self-determination as embodied in the old dispensation; it
therefore obviously provided a home for the MWU. This merger between the Conservative
party and the MWU which came into being after 1982 heralded a new dispensation for the
MWU. It also provided the MWU with a new platform for political activities.