MOU to contribute to stability in platinum sector: Sanco
The Memorandum of Understanding signed by Impala Platinum (Implats) and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) would contribute towards stability in the platinum belt, the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in the North West said on Friday.
“The acrimonious wage negotiation dispute and the two-year deadlock has undermined the spirit of the Framework Agreement for a Sustainable Mining,” Sanco provincial chairperson Paul Sebegoe said on Friday.
“Beyond the dispute and lessons learned, Impala and NUM need to rebuild a relationship based on trust and respect to avoid any actions that might jeopardise the fragile rapport and the livelihoods of miners who were facing unemployment and a bleak future.”
The MOU signed on Thursday, would see workers, who had been asked not to report for duty during violent strikes in platinum mines around Rustenburg in 2012 due to safety concerns, returning to their employment, and being reintegrated back into the workforce.
Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane also welcomed the signing of the agreement between the two parties.
He said that the agreement served as testament to the value of continuous engagement in the interest of all concerned.
“We are encouraged that the parties were able to find each other after what has been over two years of challenging negotiations between them,” Zwane said.
“This agreement serves as testament to the value of continuous engagement in the interest of all concerned, and contributes to further stability in that area, in line with the Framework Agreement for a Sustainable Mining Industry,” he said.
The majority of NUM shop stewards were unable to return to work after the violent strike at Impala in February 2012. They were allegedly attacked by workers aligned to the Association of Mineworkers and Construction ( Amcu).
Amcu dethroned NUM as the dominant union in the platinum belt following the violent wildcat strikes in the sector in 2012. - ANA
(File photo: Gallo Images)