Lonmin agreement welcome, but may set a precedent - Solidarity
Solidarity today welcomed the agreement reached between striking employees and Lonmin's management, but warned that it sets a dangerous precedent and illegal actions to enforce wage increases could occur at other mines in future. The situation at Lonmin's Marikana mine called for an abnormal agreement due to the high levels of violence, intimidation and criminal activity.
Gideon du Plessis, General Secretary of Solidarity, said the agreement entails that the cost-to-company package of entry-level employees will be increased from R8 164 to R9 611 and the cost-to-company package of rock-drill operators will be increased by 22%, from R9 063 to R11 078. Rock-drill operators will also receive a monthly allowance of R750.
"All category 3 to 8 employees who would have received their normal annual increase of between 9% and 10% on 1 October 2012 will receive an additional increase of 2%. All employees who participated in the unprotected strike will receive a once-off payment of R2 000, on condition that they accept the offer and return to work on Thursday, 20 September 2012."
Solidarity said it hoped the agreement reached today will bring an end to the intimidation and violence at Lonmin and result in order and stability at all South African mines. "Solidarity called on Lonmin to keep retrenchments following the five-week unprotected strike to a minimum and to work with trade unions in looking for creative solutions in order to prevent or limit job cuts," said Du Plessis.
Du Plessis said although the commission of inquiry could still release several controversial findings, the lessons that have already been learned from the tragic events at the Marikana mine must be taken to heart. "Action plans must be implemented by the government, politicians, the local government, Lonmin's management, trade unions, community leaders, the police, spiritual leaders, the Chamber of Mines and Lonmin's employees to prevent similar incidents. Solidarity requested the police and the National Prosecuting Authority to continue their investigations into criminal offences that had been committed since the violence broke out at Marikana on 10 August 2012 and to prosecute the offenders."
Solidarity praised Lonmin for acting in good faith and applying patience during the talks to resolve the dispute. Solidarity also expressed its appreciation to Afzul Soobedaar, senior commissioner of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, who acted as facilitator during the negotiations.
Statement issued by Gideon du Plessis, General Secretary: Solidarity, September 18 2012
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