[miningmx.com] — IMPLATS said on Tuesday its Rustenburg operations would be affected by 3,000 platinum ounces a day due to another union rivalry-related unprotected work stoppage.
The stoppage resulted from the arrest of several leaders of the new Amcu union, following a shooting incident last week in which a company employee got wounded.
“The SA Police Services has confirmed last night that they have issued warrants of arrest for some of the alleged perpetrators of violence and started arresting people,” read an Implats statement .
“Employees due to work night shift last night refused to proceed underground when they heard that some of their colleagues, essentially local ‘AMCU leaders’ had been arrested.
“The unprotected work stoppages have been extended this morning with most workers not reporting for duty at our Rustenburg operation.”
Implats said rumours on the ground have been that the arrests were prompted by the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) and that workers plan to march to the Phokeng Police Station this morning to demand the release of their leaders.
“We have not received any demands from workers in relation to this work stoppage which in our view is as a result of continued union rivalry between the Num and Amcu,” said Implats.
“Management will be meeting with ‘worker leaders’ this morning to explain our position and secure a return to work.”
