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Labour Court mediates between Amcu, producers

Johannesburg - The top three platinum producers Anglo American Platinum, Impala Platinum and Lonmin said in a joint statement with Amcu that the Labour Court would mediate discussions from Wednesday.

The aim would be to end the longest and costliest mining strike in South African history during three days of discussions.

The stand-off started on 23 January when the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union maintained that most of their roughly 70 000 striking members were not happy with the latest wage offer.

Salaries

The companies offered increases of up to 10% - that they say would raise the overall minimum pay package to R12 500 a month - by July 2017, including cash allowances, which could be earmarked for housing.

Amcu had initially demanded an immediate increase to R12 500 in the basic wage, excluding allowances, but softened that stance in March to staggered increases that would amount to R12 500 within three or four years - still a third more than what the companies are offering in basic salaries.

The strike has hit 40% of global platinum production and has dragged on for 17 weeks, squeezing already sluggish growth in South Africa.

Settlement

After talks collapsed in late April, producers took their latest offer directly to the striking miners via text messages and other means.

Amcu opposed the direct offers to its members and the Labour Court was scheduled to hear its complaints about the matter on Tuesday.

However, the parties agreed to return to negotiations sponsored by the court, which will act as a mediator and issue no ruling on the strike.

"Other issues will be put on hold, giving the judge the opportunity to mediate to see if we cannot find a settlement," said Amcu treasurer Jimmy Gama.

The strike has been turning violent, with four miners murdered last week as employees have tried to return to work on the restive platinum belt northwest of Johannesburg.




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