Amcu members gather at Wonderkop

Picture: Timothy Bernard.

Picture: Timothy Bernard.

Published Jun 12, 2014

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Rustenburg - Hundreds of Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) members sang liberation songs in Marikana on Thursday afternoon, awaiting the arrival of their leaders.

Amcu leader Joseph Mathunjwa and others were scheduled to brief members on the latest developments in wage negotiations.

About 2000 workers sat on the lawn of the Wonderkop Stadium while others moved in five groups singing struggle song around the stadium.

Fourteen buses were parked outside the stadium. Police in two nyalas and a van kept watch from a distance.

Lonmin worker Aubrey Matamo told Sapa: “I heard in Bleskop (Anglo American Platinum) they have accepted a R1600 increase and mandated the union to negotiate the R12,500 while they return to work.”

He added: “We want to go to work but we need money. The company can afford to pay us R12,500.”

He was one of many men sitting on pipes waiting for Mathunjwa.

The marathon strike had been difficult, said Matamo.

“I cannot recall when did I have a decent meal.”

Amcu members have been on strike at Lonmin, Anglo American Platinum, and Impala Platinum since January 23, demanding a basic monthly salary of R12,500.

They have rejected the companies' offer that would bring their cash remuneration to R12,500 by July 2017.

Platinum producers said earlier in the day an agreement in principle had been reached with Amcu that its leadership would discuss some proposals with its members.

Charmane Russell said on behalf of producers: “The principles that underpin the proposals seek to achieve a sustainable future for the three platinum companies for the benefit of all stakeholders and to afford employees the best possible increase under the current financial circumstances.

“Thereafter, and should an agreement be reached, the companies will be assisting employees to ensure a safe return to a normal working environment.”

Amcu would report back to the companies on Friday. - Sapa

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