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Johannesburg - Trade union Solidarity has welcomed the appointment of Glencore Xtrata Alloys CEO Gary Nagle as a non-executive director of the Rustenburg platinum mine, Lonmin [JSE:LON].
Solidarity general secretary Gideon du Plessis said he hoped that Nagle would use his influence to turn around Lonmin's decision-making record on labour relations.
"Glencore Xstrata has been lauded for its acceptance of the so-called plurality principle by recognising all prominent trade unions at the company," said Du Plessis.
The rule was in line with recommendations made by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe in the framework agreement for a sustainable mining industry.
"The framework agreement that was signed by all stakeholders in the mining industry provides for dispensing with the undemocratic 'winner takes all' system."
Du Plessis said Lonmin had broken the framework agreement by not recognising Solidarity as a trade union.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) signed an agreement with Lonmin in August recognising the trade union as having majority representation at the platinum mine.
The agreement resulted in trade unions such as the National Union of Mineworkers and Solidarity losing their recognition as trade unions at Lonmin.
In June, Motlanthe released a new draft framework agreement for a sustainable mining industry as part of an attempt by the government to stabilise the troubled local mining sector.
Motlanthe met representatives of labour, mining companies and other interest groups to try and ensure a peaceful wage-bargaining season in the industry and to restore investor confidence.
