Johannesburg - The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is sticking to its guns over demands it has made of Northam Platinum in Limpopo, including that its CEO Paul Dunne resign.
More than a thousand mineworkers embarked on a march raising concerns related to the end of 'witch hunting, victimisation, suspension and the charging of NUM members' at the mine last week.
The union has given the company 21 days to respond to its demands and grievances, otherwise it will down tools.
NUM Rustenburg regional secretary Desmond Mfuloane told Independent Media on Monday that negotiations between the mine and the union would be a long process and that the union would remain patient until 21 days were over.
"We have given the mine 21 days to respond to our grievances, given the magnitude."
"We will be taking our issues to the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) and the Labour Court should the mine not cooperate with us,” he said.
The NUM has accused the mine of being in cahoots with majority union, Amcu, in the alleged victimisation of its members. Both NUM and Amcu members have died as a result of fighting on the mine. The NUM said last week six of its members had been killed since the beginning of the year.
The mine's management told Independent Media that would continue to liaise with employees and union representatives.
"In terms of their recognition agreement there are various channels and forums in place which provide a platform for members to take up any issues they may have with management. Zondereinde management has, and will continue to liaise with employees and their representatives through these channels,” said Northam Platinum spokesman Marion Brower.
The country’s biggest labour federation, Cosatu, has thrown its weight behind the NUM.
Cosatu spokesman Sizwe Pamla said that the federation would do everything possible to prevent any further deaths in the mining sector.
"We will not hesitate from targeting and shutting down those mines that are trying to foster discord and violence in the workplace.
"We will not allow these exploiters to make their blood soaked profits on the backs of workers lives," he said.
LABOUR BUREAU