Couldn't JIC Mining have foreseen that the disgruntled and...

Couldn't JIC Mining have foreseen that the disgruntled and demoralised ex-Redpath workers might underperform or cause problems? If so, doesn't the decision to transfer the majority of Redpath workers to JIC Mining reflect badly on JIC Mining's judgement, now that most of these workers have gone on strike? After all, JIC Mining must surely have known that Redpath employees had been on strike as recently as March this year.

Were there obstacles to employing an entirely new workforce when Redpath left Smokey Hills? If so, was it just a matter of being unable to recruit or transfer employees without significant delays? Or, was JIC Mining also concerned that industrial action or worse might result if the ex-Redpath workers were sent away? After all, JIC Mining had narrowly averted a company-wide strike by its own workforce less than two weeks previously, over pay issues.

Why did the ex-Redpath employees strike against JIC Mining, when their grievance was apparently with Redpath? Do they believe that the reason why Redpath can't pay them is that PLA hasn't paid Redpath, and that a strike against JIC Mining could force PLA's hand, ahead of the arbitration resolution in about July 2011? Or, if the strike is simply ill-advised, should we assume that other workers and their unions are any less impulsive?

Did the ex-Redpath employees gain any support from the rest of the JIC employees and/or the National Union of Mineworkers before, or since, going on strike? If so, and if the ex-Redpath employees continue their strike, would PLA be wise to carry out their apparent intention to sack the striking workers?

How militant are mine workers in South Africa generally at the moment over such issues as pay rates? What makes them dare to strike when unemployment rates are so high? Are the issues being addressed satisfactorily?