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Johannesburg - The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said on Tuesday striking workers had agreed to return to work, ending a week-long work stoppage at Northam Platinum's biggest mine.
Thousands of workers stopped work at the company's Zondereinde mine last Tuesday and called for Northam's chief executive to step down over what they said were unfair hiring and firing practices.
Earlier NUM spokesperson Livhuwani Mammburu told Reuters that the strikers had indicated they would "fight to the bitter end".
Sapa reported that on Friday, management temporarily suspended its operations to ensure the safety of its employees and company property.
READ: Court grants interdict to end platinum strike
More than 5 200 NUM members went on strike on Tuesday night last week. On Wednesday, the Labour Court granted an interim interdict to end the strike.
Northam [JSE:NHM] said a large number of employees indicated they wanted to return to work on Thursday, in line with the court ruling.
READ: Platinum strikers have day to return to work
Disciplinary proceedings, including dismissals, would be implemented for those who did not return to work.
The strike has resulted in production losses of around R11.5m per day, while employees forfeited wages and benefits of around R2.4m per day.
