Johannesburg - Anglo American Platinum said it will cut 474 jobs as part of a restructuring plan started in 2013.
The miner placed 774 employees from a group of 1,248 workers, “but unfortunately not all employees could be offered permanent jobs,” company spokeswoman Mpumi Sithole said in an e-mail response to questions. “The remaining 474 affected employees will therefore qualify for voluntary separation packages and other benefits as per the collective agreement with the unions.”
Amplats announced the restructuring plans in January 2013, when it estimated it would cut as many as 14,000 positions. The proposals were scaled back following pressure from unions and the government. Employees led by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Workers Union went on strike for two weeks starting Sept. 27 the same year before a compromise was reached with the company.
“We have been working closely with AMCU representatives on the mine to ensure that all alternative measures are explored to avoid the possible terminations,” Sithole said.
AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa didn’t answer a phone call seeking comment.
Bloomberg