JOHANNESBURG, Oct 21 South Africa’s AMCU union has reached wage deals in principle with platinum producers Anglo American Platinum, Impala Platinum and Lonmin, subject to final approval from its members, the union’s president said on Friday.
This means a strike has almost certainly been averted in South Africa’s platinum sector, which is still recovering from a crippling five-month stoppage led by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) in 2014.
“What our members have been demanding has been secured from the companies,” AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa told Reuters, without elaborating. Asked if AMCU had an agreement in principle with the three producers, Mathunjwa responded: “Yes, subject to a mass meeting of general members to confirm it again.”
He said the meeting would be held on Oct. 30 and AMCU would disclose more details at a press briefing next week.
Known for its militancy and strident tone, AMCU had publicly sought wage increases of about 50 percent compared with offers in the single digits from the employers. It is not clear if AMCU watered down its demands to reach agreements.
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