Sibanye to approach Labour Court in bid to end Amcu strike
Mining company Sibanye-Stillwater is set to approach the Labour Court in a bid to declare a strike by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) unprotected.
Nine workers have died since workers downed tools at the mine in November last year.
Among others, the union is demanding a R1000 wage increase.
Sibanye-Stillwater's James Wellsted says Amcu is in no position to strike as its verification process has found that Amcu is in fact the minority union at their mines.
"Essentially, it would mean that if they did not return to work they would no longer be in a protected position, in other words they would then face potential disciplinary hearing."
Wellsted adds the protracted strike had had a severe impact on its operations.
"They obviously have had an impact, differing extents at the different operations. At some there's more Amcu members than at others, so where we have been able to, we have tried to continue operating and trying to reduce costs as much as we can during the strike but it has impacted on operations. We are probably at about 30, just over 30% of the production levels we were at last year."
The mining giant hopes the legal approach will settle the dispute.
"Well obviously this legal approach which we've taken which is to extend the offer would resolve the issues because they wouldn't be able to continue to striking. In terms of engagements with Amcu, we've had numerous engagements with them and we in fact, we have previously made come-back-to-work offers to them which were rejected," says Wellsted.
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