Johannesburg - The world’s top platinum producer, Anglo
Platinum [JSE:AMS], has started disciplinary action, including possible
dismissal, against workers taking part in an illegal strike, the company said
on Thursday.
It also said in a statement that attendance at its four
Rustenburg mines remained below 20% despite company threats to initiate action
against strikers.
On Wednesday Amplats CEO Chris Griffith said the company
would not consider striking workers' wage demands.
"It will be irrational as it is outside any form of
bargaining," he told reporters in Rustenburg.
"We urge our workers to return to work and use
recognised structures to present their demands."
He said the mine had an agreement with the union, ending in June
next year.
"We will be renegotiating wages in six months'
time."
Workers should return to work on Thursday, or face
disciplinary measures that might lead to dismissal.
"I am making a personal appeal for all striking
employees to return to work immediately.
"If our employees do not heed this call, we will simply
have no choice but to begin disciplinary action tomorrow (Thursday) against any
employees who remain on strike, and that action could lead to dismissal."
Rustenburg labour activist and community representative Mametlwe Sebei struck a defiant tone, saying striking Amplats workers were not intimidated by the ultimatum.
"No amount of threats are going to move our workers from their demands," he told Reuters.
Workers at Amplats' Rustenburg operations went on a wildcat
strike two weeks ago, demanding a R16 000 salary before deductions.
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