PLATINUM PRODUCERS RESPOND TO AMCU MEDIA BRIEFING:

Offer remains on the table

Johannesburg, 24 February 2014: Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats) and Lonmin Plc (Lonmin) have noted with regret the continuing refusal by AMCU to moderate its wage demand from the union's opening position of a totally unaffordable R12,500 basic monthly salary tabled to the three companies several months ago. The message was conveyed by AMCU president Joseph Mathunjwa at a media briefing hosted by the union last week Thursday, 20 February.

The companies also noted Mr Mathunjwa's assertions that his union is conducting the strike peacefully.

Regrettably, the numerous and ongoing assaults carried out by strikers over the past four weeks on employees seeking to reach their workplaces, contradicts these assertions.

They further noted AMCU's claims that picketing rules were implemented without consultation. In reality, the rules were established by the CCMA as it was compelled to do in terms of the Labour Relations Act when agreement on such rules could not be reached with AMCU. The union did, nonetheless, subsequently agree to adhere to the CCMA's picketing rules. Relevant documentation can be found here.

As from today, the website http://www.platinumwagenegotiations.co.za will carry a device that displays ongoing total losses of the strike as measured in company revenues and employee earnings.

The companies remain committed to a negotiated settlement. The revised wage offer of a 9% increase at entry level made on 29 January during the CCMA facilitation process remains on the table. As previously stated, this offer pushes the boundary of what is affordable and sustainable. The companies await a clear signal from AMCU that it is finally ready to engage in real negotiations.

Statement issued by Elize Strydom, Chamber of Mines, on behalf of Amplats, Implats and Lonmin etc., February 24 2014

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