JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Diversified miner Sibanye Gold has suspended six shop stewards who are members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction (AMCU) at its Kroondal operations, pending internal disciplinary proceedings related to various charges including intimidation of employees.
One of the six was the AMCU branch chairperson against whom criminal charges had been laid with the South African Police Services after the employee allegedly repeatedly made direct threats to a member of Kroondal mine management.
“The threats and intimidation made by AMCU representatives are unacceptable and will not be tolerated by Sibanye. Management at Kroondal has been negotiating on various issues in good faith with the union.
“The unlawful manner in which the AMCU representatives behaved is of serious concern as it threatens the safety of our employees, as well as the viability of the operation. In terms of the recognition agreement, the AMCU leadership have to accept accountability for any actions their representatives take,” said Sibanye platinum operations CEO Jean Nel.