Strike mediation “is unfolding”, say producers

[miningmx.com] – SOUTH Africa’s platinum producers, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), Lonmin, and Impala Platinum (Implats) gave only the slightest hint that mediation at the Labour Court with the Association of Mineworkers & Construction Union (AMC) may yield progress in halting an 18-week strike, saying the process was “unfolding”.

In a brief statement to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the producers said: “The parties have fully embraced this process with talks led by Judge Hilary Rabkin Naicker.

“The process is unfolding and the parties are encouraged that they share a common commitment to endeavour to resolve this dispute”.

A three-day mediation process through the Labour Court began on Wednesday (May 21) after the producers had on May 20 sought to oppose an application for an urgent interdict by the AMCU from the court.

AMCU was attempting to halt efforts by the producers to directly contact striking employees. Lonmin, for instance, said a large number of its employees wanted to return to work after polling them via text message.

“None of the mediation will be binding but it’s a positive development,” said Johan Theron, spokesman Implats on May 20. “The parties haven’t spoken for more than a month so it gets everyone around the table,” he said.

He added, however, there was still a gulf between union demands – a minimum R12,500 per month basic pay for all miners – and the ability of employers to meet the demands. The strike will entered its 18th week on Thursday (22 May).

Theron added that although AMCU had shown disdain for the government and the African National Congress it had been the model of observance in respect of the rule of law. The hope is therefore that the Labour Court facilitation will be constructive.

Said the platinum producers in a joint statement: “Reaching an affordable and sustainable agreement with AMCU would be in all of our interests, and that remains our preference”.

“We remain committed to on-going dialogue with AMCU and other stakeholders to find a way to end the strike.