NUM suspends Implats strike on CCMA request

The strike, scheduled to begin on Monday next week would have involved over 18 000 mineworkers.

The union said the decision to suspend the strike came after the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration's (CCMA's) request for further intervention.

"The CCMA can in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act request to intervene further by appointing new commissioners," it said.

"Whilst we are not obliged to accede to the CCMA's request, we felt that it is important to show that we remain committed to a negotiated settlement," Eddie Majadibodu, the NUM's chief negotiator, said.

"Our union has always said strike action is the last resort and we maintain that we are not warlords," Majadibodu said.

He said the union maintained its right to strike if the talks did not bear fruits.

The union was awarded a certificate of non-resolution, giving it the right to strike.

A meeting of the union, Implats and the CCMA will take place next Monday.