Platinum strike intimidation devastating: Implats
The violence and intimidation being experienced in the platinum sector as a result of the Amcu strike is devastating, Impala Platinum said on Friday.
"The human tragedy that is unfolding as a result of our employees not earning any income is devastating," spokeswoman Alice Lourens said in a statement.
She said employees should be allowed to return to work while the leadership of Implats and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) engaged to find a viable solution.
Amcu members at Lonmin, Implats, and Anglo American Platinum in Rustenburg, North West, and Northam, in Limpopo, downed tools on January 23 demanding a basic salary of R12,500 a month.
They have rejected the companies' offer of a 10 percent increase, to take them to a minimum of R12,500 by 2017.
Amcu leaders have vowed to persist with the strike.
Implats CEO Terence Goodlace said the strike had severely affected Implats's Rustenburg operation.
"Production at Impala was significantly reduced due to the closure of the mine during the strike."
He said Implats was committed to reaching a negotiated wage settlement that was both affordable and sustainable for the business.
Source : Sapa /lk/jk/cls