Statement in response to queries
Platinum wage strike: update
Johannesburg, 30 April 2014: Anglo American Platinum Limited (Amplats), Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats) and Lonmin Plc (Lonmin) confirm that on 29 April 2014 the companies were advised by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) that the union continues to consult with members on the revised offer tabled by the producers on 17 April 2014, and is seeking a fresh mandate from its members.
The producers urged AMCU's leadership to recommend their settlement offer to as broad a base of members as possible, to achieve a mandate that is representative of the majority of its members. The strike - now in its 14th week - has crippled the three largest PGM producers in the South African platinum sector and has brought untold hardship to employees, their families, communities and the companies. The producers ask AMCU to consider the desperate conditions which many of its members find themselves in, and also the situation of other employees who are not members of AMCU but who are being prevented from working.
AMCU has requested that producers do not communicate the offer directly to employees. The companies cannot accede to this request. The producers have a responsibility to ensure that employees, including AMCU members, are fully apprised of the latest offer and the options open to them. The producers' preference is for a negotiated settlement with AMCU, and they urge employees to provide a mandate to the union to accept the offer. The companies have also put in place, or are putting in place, mechanisms for employees to accept the offer individually.
The producers further call on AMCU and its members to recognise and respect the rights of employees who wish to work.
The producers advise further that:
Communication with employees has begun through both targeted and mass communication. As not all employees are immediately contactable around operations, this communication needs to reach labour-sending areas around South Africa and neighbouring countries.
The companies look forward to positive feedback, in respect of the offer, from AMCU.
The companies will not be releasing detailed information on communications initiatives, and progress made in contacting employees or detailed attendance numbers. This is being done to reduce the risk of intimidation and violence. Updates will be provided to the market at critical junctures.
To date, the strike has cost employees some R6.8 billion in lost income and the producers around R15.3 billion in lost revenue.
Statement issued by Charmane Russell on behalf of the Platinum Producers, April 30 2014
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