Miners rebel in South Africa

Platinum miners are striking in South Africa demanding better job security. They have held several managers for ransom. Two have just escaped.
According to the BBC:

Three people are still being held by about 500 miners in North West Province, after three had evaded their captors on Thursday night.
Eastern Platinum Limited told the BBC that police were conducting negotiations with the miners.
The contract workers are demanding that Eastern Platinum give them permanent jobs at the Crocodile River mine….


The protesting miners work for two contractors, Sindile Mining and JIC Mining Services, Eastern Platinum said……

Eastern Platinum has filed for an urgent court action which would order the workers to:
· Refrain from participating in illegal and unprotected strike action
· Release those who are being detained against their will
· Vacate the underground working areas.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), whose other members are currently engaged in a nationwide strike which has put the brakes on all 2010 World Cup construction in South Africa, has reportedly condemned the miners' actions.