Share

Amplats taking action against strikers

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.


* Follow Fin24 on TwitterFacebookGoogle+ and Pinterest



 
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.9%
Rand - Pound
24.10
-0.9%
Rand - Euro
20.59
-0.7%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.42
-0.9%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.8%
Platinum
915.75
-0.8%
Palladium
1,028.36
-3.5%
Gold
2,159.96
+0.2%
Silver
25.03
-0.6%
Brent Crude
85.34
-0.1%
Top 40
66,252
0.0%
All Share
72,431
0.0%
Resource 10
53,317
0.0%
Industrial 25
100,473
0.0%
Financial 15
16,622
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders