Labour court strikes AMCU's application from the roll

Johannesburg 2 June 2014 - Platinum producers Anglo American Platinum Limited (Amplats) and Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats) welcome the decision of the Labour Court, striking the application by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) from the roll.

AMCU had brought an application on an urgent basis, seeking to prevent the employers inter alia from communicating wage settlement offers to AMCU members and to prevent Implats from conducting surveys of its employees as to whether the employees wish to return to work. Judge Le Grange ruled against AMCU and the matter was struck off the roll as it lacked urgency.

The employers believe that any means available should be used to ensure that employees are fully informed of the position of the companies and the offer that has been made, and that employees should be allowed to make an election whether or not they wish to return to work. The companies have been inundated by calls from employees seeking information, and will now continue to communicate with employees on a regular basis. AMCU's application against Lonmin has been postponed.

To date, employers have forfeited around R20.6 billion in earnings, and employees have foregone earnings of around R9.2 billion.

Statement issued by Charmane Russell on behalf of the Platinum Producers, June 2 2014

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