The five month strike crippling production in the world’s biggest platinum producer has ended.
The miners, who’ve been out since January, could be back at work by tomorrow (Wednesday).
South Africa’s labour court’s ruled that the union making this announcement is not permitted to extend its industrial action to the gold sector.
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President of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, Joseph Matunjwa made the much-awaited announcement that his syndicate has dropped its demands blocking signature on a wage agreement reached in principle ten days ago.
Matunjwa received an enthusiastic response from assembled members, representing some 70 000 workers from three of the world’s largest platinum mines, when he asked if he should ink this agreement today.
It binds the union for three years and falls short of the 840 euro monthly wage they were demanding.
Matunjwa describes is a good start in the miners’ battle to end slave wages and poor working conditions.
He hailed as a victory the reinstatement of 236 emergency service workers sacked during the strike.
He maintains that his union has changed the face of the mining industry for all time and that it has achieved in five months what other unions have failed to do in 20 years.
Minerals minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi has welcome the end of the strike.