Amcu’s gold mining strike halted

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Published Jun 23, 2014

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Johannesburg - The Labour Court in Johannesburg on Monday made permanent its interim order preventing Amcu from striking at certain gold mining operations owned by AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony, and Sibanye, the Chamber of Mines said.

“Historically, the gold industry has always conducted wage negotiations at a centralised level and the process has always been inclusive and fair,” chamber spokeswoman Elize Strydom said in a statement.

“Going forward, we will continue to bargain in good faith with the elected representatives of employees.”

The chamber represents AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony, and Sibanye.

It approached the court to make permanent its interim order which prohibits a strike by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union at certain gold mining operations owned by the companies.

Amcu wanted a basic monthly salary of R12,500 for workers in the gold mining sector.

The chamber obtained the interim order on January 30 after Amcu issued a notice to strike on January 20.

The chamber argued that Amcu should not be allowed to strike as it was bound by a wage agreement from September 2013 representing majority unions and legally applicable to all workers.

Amcu argued that members' right to strike was being infringed.

“The decision brings certainty about the binding nature of the 2013 wage agreement, which is in the best interest of employees, the industry, and our country,” said Strydom. - Sapa

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