Cape Town – The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) said on Monday that it will continue its illegal strike at Sibanye’s Kroondal mine over a lack of transport.
The union, which was set to address members on Monday morning, announced this on social media, despite its strike being ruled illegal, unlawful and unprotected by the Labour Court on Friday.
“In terms of the judgment, Amcu may not participate in or incite or otherwise encourage any Kroondal employees to embark on unprotected strike action in accordance with the strike notice issued by the Court,” Sibanye [JSE:SGL] said in a statement.
“Kroondal management has been engaging with Amcu on this issue in good faith since January 2016,” said Jean Nel, CEO of Sibanye's platinum operations. “We will continue to engage with Amcu in order to find a workable solution.”
Amcu went on the illegal strike on May 27 over a lack of transport for employees.
"The company doesn't want to provide transport for its employees and these are basic conditions of employment," Amcu president Joseph Mathunjwa told Reuters.
“Kroondal 1 can't forget the brutal murder of Cde Maila in February this year due to lack of transport from her night shift,” Amcu tweeted on May 27.
Solidarity general secretary Gideon du Plessis said the striking workers stoned some vehicles last week, while a Solidarity member was assaulted by the strikers.
“Solidarity … calls on Amcu to declare its interests regarding a particular bus company, as it is believed that the reason behind the strike lies in Amcu’s desire to protect its own commercial interests,” Du Plessis said.