Amplats strike plans suspended

16th May 2013 By: Sapa

Plans for a strike over retrenchments at Anglo American Platinum's (Amplats) Rustenburg operation have been suspended, the workers' committee said on Thursday.

"We decided to wait until Friday to see how the company responds to the issue," said spokesman Evans Ramokga.

The committee, which led a strike in September, earlier said the strike would begin on Thursday night.

Ramokga said the company was not backing down on retrenchments, and workers had taken it upon themselves to fight.

"Unions have done their part and negotiated on our behalf. Now the workers have decided to lead their cause. No one is happy about the retrenchments."

After mass meetings at different shafts, workers had decided to go on strike.

"Workers are saying if Amplats cannot run the mines they must leave and surrender the mines to another company that will save jobs."

Amplats spokeswoman Mpumi Sithole said management was aware of the issues which had been raised by employees through the media.

"We encourage our employees to utilise the existing channels in place to address any labour issues and advise against illegal work stoppages, as these may lead to disciplinary action," she said.

Amplats has announced that it will cut 6 000 jobs instead of the 14 000 it predicted earlier.