JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Platinum miner Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) on Thursday reported that worker turnout remained low at its mines around Rustenburg, and those to the north of the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve, with less than 20% attendance.
The industrial action was costing the company about 3 100 oz/d of production.
Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) employees had embarked on a legal strike on September 27 over Amplats’ plans to retrench 3 300 workers as part of a restructuring drive.
The miner originally aimed to eliminate as many as 14 000 jobs but this figure was scaled back after fierce criticism from the government and unions.
“As this is a legal and protected strike for AMCU-affiliated employees, the union members on strike will not be subject to disciplinary procedures. However, the no-work, no-pay principle will be applied to all employees who are not reporting for duty,” Amplats said, adding that the company continued to engage with AMCU.
Amplats spokesperson Mpumi Sithole confirmed that discussions had taken place on Thursday, as planned, but would not be drawn on the potential outcome of the meeting.
Amplats further stated that it was monitoring the situation and working closely with local authorities to ensure peace and stability during the strike.