In 2014, platinum miners in South Africa carried out the longest strike ever recorded. The action involved 70 000 miners from a total workforce of 200 000 in the sector. Among them were migrant workers from neighbouring countries, who had expanded the country’s labour force. The strike caused the world’s three largest platinum producing firms to lose US$1.4 billion and cut South Africa’s platinum exports.
(a)[2]
Identify two reasons that workers may go on strike.
(b)[4]
Explain two disadvantages that may arise from a decrease in a country’s export revenue.
(c)[6]
Analyse how a fall in a firm’s revenue may affect its expenditure on capital goods.
(d)[8]
Discuss whether an increase in a country’s labour force would raise income per head.
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