Management at Lonmin's Marikana mine in North West must issue an ultimatum to striking miners, trade union Solidarity said on Thursday.
“This illegal action is not a labour dispute, but merely criminal behaviour aimed at destabilising a workplace and a well-functioning labour relations system,” secretary general Gideon du Plessis said in a statement.
“Lonmin should issue a final ultimatum to the protesting workers today and demand that they lay down their arms voluntarily and return to the workplace immediately.”
Du Plessis said if they did not heed the ultimatum in the next 24 hours, they should be fired. Criminal charges should be laid against those responsible for the murders at the mine since the protest started.
Ten people, including two police officers and two security guards, have been killed since the violent protests started on Friday when thousands of rock drill operators went on an illegal strike.
Workers want all salaries increased to R12,500 a month.
Du Plessis said Solidarity realised that firing the protesting miners could place a heavy operational, logistical and financial burden on Lonmin.
“If the situation is not dealt with correctly, however, the employer could end up at the same crossroads in the future.
“Solidarity is aware of and has appreciation for the efforts of all interested parties to reach a settlement, but doubts whether a settlement can be achieved as long as the anarchy continues,” he said.
Solidarity proposed that Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant launch an investigation into the illegal protests and criminal activities at Lonmin, instead of investigating the trade unions that did not meet the legal requirements for registration. - Sapa