NUM to challenge Anglo Platinum job cuts

NUM general secretary Frans Baleni. File photo: Nokuthula Mbatha

NUM general secretary Frans Baleni. File photo: Nokuthula Mbatha

Published Apr 28, 2015

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Rustenburg - The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) would challenge Anglo American Platinum’s decision to retrench workers, general secretary Frans Baleni said on Tuesday.

“We are meeting Anglo Platinum tomorrow (Wednesday) to challenge the decision. They used an Amcu (Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union) retrenchment agreement which is inferior than NUM retrenchment (agreement),” Balani said.

Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) said in 2013 it began consolidation of the company’s Rustenburg mines in order to create a sustainable platinum industry for the benefit of all South Africans.

“As part of this restructuring, there was extensive consultations with unions, facilitated by the CCMA. Where retrenchments were necessary, Anglo American Platinum committed to further explore employment opportunities for affected employees,” said Amplats spokesman Hulisani Rasivhaga.

“To date, 774 employees from the initial group of 1 248 have been placed in permanent jobs. We have been working closely with Amcu representatives on the mine to ensure that all alternative measures are explored to avoid the possible terminations, but unfortunately not all employees could be offered permanent jobs.

“The remaining 474 affected employees will therefore qualify for voluntary separation packages (VSP) and other benefits as per the collective agreement with the unions, concluded in 2013.”

Rasivhaga said the company was aware that this was a difficult time for the affected employees. “Over the last few weeks we have been communicating with the unions and the affected employees as well as the communities – the Rustenburg community engagement forum – on the retrenchment process and we commit ourselves to continue to engage with all the relevant parties. A social impact mitigation plan is in place to assist the affected employees.”

Affected workers have been given medical exit appointments for Wednesday at the company’s hospital.

“It means from today over 470 families will not have an income. This is difficult for workers, they are angry and want to answers from their union Amcu,” said former union member Gaddafi Mdoda.

Mdoda, who was expelled from the union, said it was high time union leaders spoke to workers to clarify the retrenchment.

Amcu was not available to comment.

ANA

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