The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has threatened to launch a strike if a resolution is not reached with mining company Sibanye-Stillwater following the recent dismissal of 213 workers. The mineworkers were terminated after participating in an underground sit-in at the Kwezi shaft in Rustenburg last week.
The dismissed workers received their notices on Sunday after they refused to resurface, despite repeated requests from the mine’s management and appeals from both AMCU and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa announced on Sunday that the union would issue a letter of dispute on Monday. “We will finish this matter quickly. We will send a letter declaring a dispute of mutual interest, emanating from wage agreements, because at this stage, we do not see eye to eye,” Mathunjwa stated.
Mathunjwa emphasized that if negotiations do not yield a satisfactory outcome, the union will proceed with a strike, adhering strictly to legal protocols. “We will get a strike, however, the right way for us to go forward with it is to strike by following the proper channels,” he said.
In the face of growing concerns over potential dismissals, AMCU has urged Sibanye-Stillwater workers affiliated with the union to remain calm. Mathunjwa addressed a crowd of over 1,500 workers, stressing the importance of unity and the union’s efforts to resolve the impasse amicably. “Let’s not fight amongst ourselves. This thing is small. We will not go on strike for a long time, not even three or five months,” he reassured.
The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for further negotiations in the hopes of avoiding a protracted conflict.
