BusinessLive reports that the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) has thrown down the gauntlet, saying it could down tools to force platinum mining bosses to accede to its wage demands.
The union has, however, referred its dispute with the employers to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for mediation. Amcu president Joseph Mathunjwa remarked on Tuesday: “We will do whatever is within the law to pursue our demands. That doesn't necessarily mean going on strike. But let these mines not be fooled into thinking we don't have an appetite [for a strike]. We can go and strike anytime, but we believe that we can reach an agreement without a strike.” The wage talks between Amcu and Impala Platinum, Sibanye-Stillwater and Anglo American Platinum started on 9 July, but after three months of negotiating, “we have not reached an agreement with one of the employers yet”, Mathunjwa said. “While we are making good progress with Anglo and Impala, who have both crossed the R1,000 mark, Sibanye-Stillwater remains a stumbling block,” he added. Amcu has resolved that it will not accept any amount less than R1,000.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page