NUM loses members at Implats

Published Oct 9, 2012

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Johannesburg - The National Union of Mineworkers was fighting for its survival at Impala Platinum (Implats) after it lost members to a rival union at the mine, Business Day reported on Tuesday.

NUM was told by Implats it only represented 13 percent of the company's workforce.

Rival union, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) now had the largest number of members, group human resources executive Collin Smith was quoted as saying.

NUM was angered by the company's decision to cancel an agreement to conduct an independent verification of membership. Smith said unions would not co-operate, despite an agreement between the parties that the verification be done.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration was to conduct the process. The company however cancelled the process after receiving a letter from the CCMA stating that the verification agreement could not be implemented.

NUM spokesman Lesiba Seshoka denied this and said his union would fight for an independent verification. He said the CCMA informed his union that the Amcu was refusing to participate. NUM then consulted its lawyers to get a legal opinion.

“There was violence, the strike was illegal and people were forced to join Amcu... so we will return to court. There needs to be an independent verification exercise.” - Sapa

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