More miners now on strike, Amcu claims
The wage strike in the platinum sector had been intensified, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) said yesterday. “The strike continues, the number of workers on strike has increased,” Amcu co-ordinator Evans Ramokga said. “No one reported for work today [Monday]. I have been going around the mine[s] to check following allegations that workers intend to return to work. I can confirm no one has abandoned the strike. The workers are determined to fight for a living wage.” The strike is in its eighth week. Amcu members at Lonmin, Impala Platinum and Anglo American Platinum downed tools on January 23, demanding a minimum basic monthly salary of R12 500. The union has since revised the demand, saying the basic salary could be achieved over four years. Earlier this month the union presented a petition recording members’ unhappiness with how government departments and platinum mining companies had handled their demands. President Jacob Zuma was given until March 20 to respond to the petition. – Sapa