TFM: Work Resumes Following an Agreement Between Management and Striking Employees
Operations resumed on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) after three days of strike action marked by significant social tensions. The return to work follows an agreement reached between company management and employees from the 15K-Mine plant who had stopped working over a series of priority demands.
Dispute Over the Collective Agreement
The strike originated from workers’ dissatisfaction with the new collective bargaining agreement signed between union representatives and management. Employees felt that their concerns had not been adequately addressed.
After several rounds of discussions, both parties reached a compromise on five issues considered essential by the striking workers.
Five Commitments from Management
According to the agreement document shared with employees, management accepted several key demands.
Regarding the end-of-negotiation bonus, TFM agreed in principle to increase the bonus already paid to employees. The final amount will be determined after an assessment of the financial and tax implications. The measure is also expected to benefit personnel employed through labor placement companies.
The company also agreed to extend employment contracts for placement company workers until December 31, 2027, addressing concerns related to job security.
Overtime, Classification, and Healthcare
Concerning overtime payments, management committed to reviewing current practices to ensure compliance with labor legislation and to take appropriate corrective measures where necessary.
TFM also agreed to review its job classification and sub-categorization system, which has long been criticized by workers. In addition, the company pledged to improve medical coverage and announced that a memorandum outlining the adopted measures would be published soon.
Social Dialogue Continues
Other demands raised by workers will be examined through ongoing social dialogue between the parties.
In light of the progress achieved, employees agreed to return to work immediately, while management welcomed an agreement based on good faith and mutual trust.
In their joint statement, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to social dialogue, mutual respect, and the preservation of production activities in the interest of both employees and the company.
This agreement allows TFM to fully resume operations after several days of disruption at one of the largest mining complexes in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Héritier Maila
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