Platinum producers condemn acts of violence against employees attempting to return to work

Johannesburg 12 May 2014 - Platinum producers Anglo American Platinum Limited (Amplats), Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats) and Lonmin Plc (Lonmin) strongly condemn the recent acts of violence against employees attempting to return to work, which have resulted in one confirmed strike-related death of an employee in the platinum belt, at least 20 reported acts of assault over the last two days (11 and 12 May 2014), and a number of serious incidents of intimidation against employees and bus operators providing transport to mining company employees.

The producers note the recent alarming statements made by AMCU that if the platinum producers "continue engaging workers directly this could lead to something else". The producers believe that statements of this nature signal that violence and intimidation is acceptable.

CEOs Chris Griffith, Terence Goodlace and Ben Magara have made an urgent call on AMCU to exercise strong and responsible leadership and to direct and discipline its members.

"We recognise the right to strike as a fundamental right of employees, a right which has been respected throughout the dispute. But, we have a responsibility to communicate directly with our employees. We have heard them. Our employees wish to return to work, but have expressed a fear of continued intimidation and violence. We call on AMCU to recognise and uphold the rights of those who wish to work without fear of intimidation or violence."

The companies urge AMCU to issue a public statement requiring their members to respect the rights of those who choose to work and that employees returning to work must not be harmed.

The producers thank the authorities for their efforts to bring to account those responsible for these criminal acts of violence and for providing visible policing to enable a safe platform for employees to return to work if they choose to do so.

Statement issued by Charmane Russell on behalf of the Platinum Producers, May 12 2014

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