The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) have threatened strike action should they not reach an agreement with Sibanye-Stillwater.
This follows the dismissal of 213 workers at the mine in Rustenburg last Sunday.
The workers were fired after they failed to resurface during an underground sit-in last week despite calls by the mine’s management, Amcu and NUM.
NUM Rustenburg regional secretary Geoffrey Moatshe said the unions held a meeting on Sunday.
“The unions feel they should confront the employer head-on. It’s the same company that we took a march against in Carletonville around May over the issue of retrenchments,” Moatshe said.
“If you deal with an arrogant company like Sibanye which is a law unto itself, it’s only fair that workers should unite and put aside union affiliations.”
The unions are expected to hand over a letter of dispute to Sibanye-Stillwater on Monday.
Amcu president Joseph Mathunjwa said if talks fell flat, the union and its members would follow due process.
“We will finish this matter quickly. We will send a letter declaring a dispute of mutual interest, emanating from wage agreements because at this stage, we do not see eye to eye,” he said.
“We will strike, however, the right way for us to go forward is to strike following the proper channels.”
Amcu called on Sibanye-Stillwater workers affiliated with Amcu to remain calm amid growing concerns that more workers may face dismissals.
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: Sibanye-Stillwater workers at a meeting with mining unions, NUM and Amcu on Sunday.
Source: X
