The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has welcomed the decision by mining giant, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) to suspend the retrenchment of up to 14 000 workers by 60 days. The company says this was done to afford it ample time to consult with unions and government.
Amplats announced the retrenchments on January 15, saying at the time that violent labour unrest had made four Rustenburg shafts unprofitable. The planned retrenchments received negative reactions from government, the ANC and unions.
NUM's Lesiba Seshoka says, "It is back to the drawing table to try and find the solution to the problems that are affecting the company and other companies. We remain confident that the solutions are there so that these jobs could be saved permanently."
Anglo American Platinum CEO Chris Griffiths says he cannot pre-empt the results of the consultation process.
Amplats announced the retrenchments on January 15, saying at the time that violent labour unrest had made four Rustenburg shafts unprofitable. The planned retrenchments received negative reactions from government, the ANC and unions.
NUM's Lesiba Seshoka says, "It is back to the drawing table to try and find the solution to the problems that are affecting the company and other companies. We remain confident that the solutions are there so that these jobs could be saved permanently."
Anglo American Platinum CEO Chris Griffiths says he cannot pre-empt the results of the consultation process.
