Talks to end Amcu strike to resume

Mineworkers gather at Wonderkop stadium outside the Lonmin mine in Rustenburg, northwest of Johannesburg January 27, 2014. Government-brokered talks between South Africa's Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) and the world's top three platinum producers began on Monday in a bid to end a strike that has hit half of global output of the precious metal. Hopes for an immediate resolution to the strike, which began on Thursday, remained dim given AMCU's uncompromising approach to negotiations and with the two sides poles apart over wages.

Mineworkers gather at Wonderkop stadium outside the Lonmin mine in Rustenburg, northwest of Johannesburg January 27, 2014. Government-brokered talks between South Africa's Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) and the world's top three platinum producers began on Monday in a bid to end a strike that has hit half of global output of the precious metal. Hopes for an immediate resolution to the strike, which began on Thursday, remained dim given AMCU's uncompromising approach to negotiations and with the two sides poles apart over wages.

Published Jan 28, 2014

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Johannesburg - The strike by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union continued on Tuesday across the platinum belt in the North West.

Workers at Lonmin Platinum, Anglo American Platinum and Impala Platinum downed tools last week and demanded an entry-level monthly salary of R12,500.

Lazarus Khoza, an Amcu shopsteward at Amplats, said workers were expecting an update from the union's leadership later during the day.

“We are converging again today. The strike continues. We hope to hear from our leaders at around 11 am,” Khoza said.

North West police spokesman Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said no incidents have been reported since Monday night.

Talks aimed at resolving the strike, and facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) would resume on Tuesday in Pretoria.

Platinum companies have indicated that the R12,500 demanded by Amcu was not affordable. - Sapa

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