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Johannesburg - The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) met the platinum producers' mediators on Monday in talks aimed at ending the strike by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) at three platinum mining companies.
"As a result of today's engagement, and as part of the mediation process, a follow-up engagement with Amcu will take place on Wednesday this week," the CCMA said in a statement.
The CCMA met the mediators for Lonmin [JSE:LON], Anglo Platinum (Amplats) [JSE:AMS] and Impala Platinum (Implats) [JSE:IMP].
Members of Amcu at the three mines went on a protected strike on January 23, demanding a basic entry level salary of R12 500 per month for miners. The CCMA has been brokering talks between the union and the companies since January 24.
The platinum producers proposed a three-year agreement last month, which Implats said was based on principles which would eventually see miners' salaries reaching a minimum guaranteed R12 500.
Implats offered to increase the minimum monthly guaranteed pay package so that the surface workers' package would grow from R8 641 to R10 915 over three years. Underground workers' packages would increase from R9 297 to R11 746 over the same period.
In terms of the proposal, the three companies would increase their combined spending on wages and benefits by R2bn in the first year.
According to Implats, the platinum industry lost around R4.3bn last year.
Since the Amcu strike began, Implats had lost R1.38bn in revenue.
On Monday morning, a contempt of court application was brought against Amcu, Amplats said.
Amplats is accusing Amcu of flouting picketing rules handed down by the court on January 24. According to Business Report, Amplats wants 39 Amcu leaders, including Amcu leader Joseph Mathunjwa and national treasurer Jimmy Gama, fined or jailed for contempt of court.
According to a court order, Amcu is prohibited from interfering with the business of Amplats, intimidating employees, and unlawful conduct which damages Amplats' property.
Amplats said earlier this month it intended suing Amcu for compensation for damages and losses suffered during the work stoppage. The initial amount mentioned was R591m, but company spokesperson Mpumi Sithole said this could increase if Amcu's wrongful conduct continued.
