Peace pact signed without miners

REUTERS

Miners take part in a march at Lonmins Marikana mine on Wednesday, September 5, 2012. More than 3 000 striking miners marched through streets near the mine, the largest protest at the hot spot since police shot dead 34 of their colleagues last month.

A peace accord on Marikana was signed by Lonmin and unions late on Wednesday night in the absence of the key people – the striking workers.

It was explained during the signing of the peace agreement that the team representing the striking miners had to leave earlier due to transport arrangements.

Cosatu president, Sdumo Dlamini, explained that the team had gone back to consult those they represent before they could sign, adding it could not be speculated on whether they would sign or not.

“[But] we expect a response from them so we can start with negotiations as soon as possible,” he said.

It was yet to be seen how the striking workers would respond to the peace accord after marching to Lonmin’s Karee Mine K3 Shaft demanding that operations be brought to a halt on Wednesday. Thousands of workers made it clear they were not prepared to go back or for anyone else to work until Lonmin has given them the R12 500 salary they are demanding.

The peace accord, however, states that striking workers are expected back at work by Monday next week.

Barnard Mokwena, executive vice president at the mine, refused to say what would happen if the miners did not return to work then, saying it was not advisable to speculate on the possibility of them not returning.

Once they have returned to work, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration will facilitate salary negotiations with unions and a delegation of striking workers according to the commitment made by Lonmin.

Part of the agreement is that those involved should commit to “engage and eliminate violence”.

Striking workers must also agree to stop carrying their “illegitimate weapons” which includes pangas, firearms and knobkieries.

There was also a notable absence among the signatories of Amcu whose president, Joseph Mathunjwa, sat in the room but did not sign the agreement.

Amcu is a recognised union in Lonmin, although it has no bargaining rights. It has only returned to the discussions this week after storming out last week crying exclusion.

Without explaining why Amcu did not sign, Dlamini was quick to say the union will “be engaged directly”.

“Amcu is with us on this, if you look around and you know the faces, you can tell they are part of this,” Dlamini said.

Meanwhile, Lonmin welcomed the signing in a statement on Thursday morning.

“This lays a firm foundation for the beginnings of the elimination of violence and intimidation, as well as a return to work. We hope this will help to bring peace and stability. Lonmin remains hopeful the other parties will sign the peace accord,” the company said.

The company said it had been agreed with other unions “who are part of our bargaining council to invite Amcu and the party of workers’ delegates to participate in negotiations on an addendum to the existing wage agreement”.

Lonmin acting CEO, Simon Scott, said, “Lonmin and the other unions who are part of our bargaining council, have agreed to negotiate to address the wage demands within a legal framework, and have invited Amcu and a delegation of workers’ representatives to take part in the wage discussion.”