ANC STATEMENT ON AMPLATS RESTRUCTURING PROPOSALS

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the decision made by Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) to postpone its plans to retrench up to 14,000 employees by 60 days to allow for "detailed consultation".

At the meeting held on the 28 January, by the Task Team representing the three (3) components which are; Department of Mineral Resources, Anglo American Platinum ("Amplats") and organised labour, that resolved to postpone the continuation of the Section 189 process under the Labour Relations Act in order to allow for a detailed consultation process to take place between the parties involved.

We believe that the reprieve albeit limited will assist the process of finding lasting solutions to the pending retrenchments.

We are pleased that the view presented by the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) on the 18th of January, that government, labour and organised business must do everything in their power to avert the pending loss of jobs and closure of mines. Has found expression in the current decision.

We call on all parties involved to continue finding each other in the interest advancing stability in the mining sector.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, ANC national spokesperson, January 29 2013

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