* AngloGold tells strikers to return or face dismissal
* Hearings open for commission investigating Marikana deaths
* Government pressing miners to return to work
By David Dolan and Sherilee Lakmidas
JOHANNESBURG, Oct 22 (Reuters) – AngloGold Ashanti Ltd
, the world’s No.3 gold producer, has told striking
South African miners to return to work or face dismissal,
joining rivals taking an increasingly hard line against labour
unrest that has choked off output.
South Africa is struggling to resolve violent unrest that
has poisoned industrial relations and marred its image overseas.
On Monday the commission investigating the killing of 34 miners
by police on Aug. 16 heard opening statements.
“It is regretful that matters have reached this stage, with
job losses now being threatened and livelihoods for thousands of
families being placed at risk,” AngloGold Ashanti Chief
Executive Mark Cutifani said in a statement.
The company said workers, who have been on a month-long
illegal strike, must return to work by noon (1000 GMT) on
Wednesday or face dismissal. Those who return on time will
receive an improved wage offer, it added.
About 100,000 workers in South Africa, mostly in mining,
have downed tools for better pay since August. The strikes have
sparked credit downgrades of Africa’s top economy and raised
questions about the relatively slow response of President Jacob
Zuma’s government.
Continued…
