OREANDA-NEWS. October 18, 2012.  Anglo American Platinum Limited (“Anglo American Platinum”) is providing an update on the ongoing illegal industrial action around its Rustenburg, Union and Amandelbult mining operations.

It has been five weeks since the initial safety suspension and the subsequent illegal industrial action and despite the company’s repeated calls for employees to return to work, attendance levels remain below 20%. Currently the majority of the mining operations in Rustenburg and north of Pilanesburg have insufficient staff to operate safely and continue to carry out essential services only.

Anglo American Platinum has previously reported that it was willing to consider bringing the wage negotiations forward to help facilitate the return of its employees to work. The company has resolved to commence engagements with its recognised unions, namely, NUM, UASA, and NUMSA to explore options to facilitate the return of employees currently involved in illegal strike action, to work. These discussions will be done on an expedited basis.

To enable the process to proceed smoothly, the company has decided to delay the dismissal process at Union and Amandelbult mines to afford these negotiations every chance of success. Anglo American Platinum confirms that while it retains its stated position that it will not reinstate the 12000 dismissed Rustenburg employees, the company has agreed with its recognised unions that it is willing to discuss their status as part of this engagement.
Chris Griffith, Anglo American Platinum CEO says: “We are faced with extremely complex challenges that require innovative solutions that will address the very real economic issues affecting the entire Platinum industry. We believe that it is only right for us to engage with our recognised unions and work together to find the best way forward.”