Solidarity boycotts launch of Mine Crime Combating Forum after Lonmin revoked trade unions' recognition

Solidarity is a signatory of the Framework Agreement for a Sustainable Mining Industry which, inter alia, provides for the establishment of a Mine Crime Combating Forum. As signatory, the trade union is fully committed to all proposals contained in the agreement. However, Solidarity has decided to boycott today's launch in Rustenburg of the Mine Crime Combating Forum in protest after having been informed that its recognition at Lonmin, together with that of other unions, is being revoked. The suspension of the trade union's recognition is a result of Lonmin's implementation of the undemocratic ‘winner-takes-all' principle, and is in contrast to one of the provisions contained in the framework agreement, namely that this very principle should be revised.

Gideon du Plessis, Solidarity's General Secretary, says it is an irony that the trade union was informed today of all days that its recognition at Lonmin will be suspended in favour of Amcu. ‘The irony is that one of the other provisions of the framework agreement, namely the establishment of a Mine Crime Combating Forum is being implemented today. Thus, the framework agreement is being simultaneously undermined and implemented today. The undemocratic principle of majority recognition was one of the main causes that led to the events at Marikana and to other violent labour unrest. The suspension of the recognition of Solidarity and other minority trade unions by Lonmin again creates a climate for continued labour unrest and deprives members of the constitutional right to freedom of association.'

Du Plessis says Solidarity is appealing to Lonmin to reconsider its ill-considered decision, especially in light of the selfless support given to the company by the trade union and its members to restore labour stability in the workplace after the Marikana events. ‘Should Lonmin not restore Solidarity's recognition in the workplace, it would be clear that the company is sacrificing sound labour relations in favour of the pressure being brought to bear on it by majority union, Amcu. Amcu is thus being rewarded for its extortion that Lonmin yielded to, and Lonmin will now be held permanently hostage to Amcu's extortion.' According to Du Plessis, there is now no balance of power, only a monopoly of power for Amcu. ‘Democratic labour relations are making way for an Amcu- one party dictatorship,' Du Plessis added.

It is clear that, once again, Lonmin is solving a short term crisis by means of an ill-considered decision and in the process a long term survival crisis is being created. Lonmin's shareholders and employees, as well as South Africa, will pay the price for Lonmin's implosion.

Statement issued by Gideon du Plessis, General Secretary: Solidarity, August 14 2013

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