Talks Under Way as 500 SA Miners Remain Underground

Earlier we reported that more than 500 workers at a mine in South Africa had been underground since Sunday, in what appeard to be a dispute between two unions.

Those rival unions - the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) - are currently in talks with mine bosses in an effort to solve the issue.

The NUM, which is the only union recognised by One Gold Modder East mine, has alleged that its members are being held there against their will.

It said some of the miners have been assaulted and intimidated by workers who want the mine to recognise the Amcu.

Amcu dismissed suggestions that workers are being held hostage, saying those underground at the moment are there willingly.

Currently, workers at the One Gold Modder East mine are automatically enrolled into the NUM.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Image by Reuters