JOHANNESBURG, Sept 27 (Reuters) – The world’s top platinum
producer, Anglo American Platinum, has started
disciplinary action including possible dismissal against workers
taking part in an illegal strike in South Africa, the company
said on Thursday.
The company, a unit of global mining giant Anglo American
, also said that attendance at its four mines near
Rustenburg, 120 km (70 miles) northwest of Johannesburg,
remained below 20 percent despite repeated threats to get tough.
A wave of wildcat strikes is roiling South Africa’s mining
sector despite the end of an illegal six-week stoppage at
platinum producer Lonmin in which 46 people
were killed.
Amplats’ chief executive Chris Griffith said on Wednesday
the company would start making good on threats to sack workers
if they did not report for duty within 24 hours.
“Despite repeatedly urging our employees to come back to
work, attendance at our Rustenburg operations remains low,” he
said. “We have been left with no choice but to initiate
disciplinary action, which could lead to dismissals.”
Rustenburg labour activist and community representative
Mametlwe Sebei struck a defiant tone, saying striking Amplats
workers were not intimidated by the ultimatum.
“No amount of threats are going to move our workers from
their demands,” he told Reuters.
The demands include an increase in a minimum monthly wage to
12,500 rand ($1,500), more than double that currently earned by
those at the bottom of the pay scale.
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