Amcu digs its heels in
Mining union Amcu is reluctant to have a deal between Sibanye-Stillwater and other unions extended to its members. But that’s just part of the problem …
The Association of Mineworkers & Construction Union (Amcu) strike at Sibanye-Stillwater’s gold mines on Joburg’s West Rand has dragged on for almost four months. At last count, nine deaths had been reported and 62 houses burnt down. The issue is ostensibly a wage dispute in which Amcu does not want a deal struck between the company and three other unions — the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Uasa and Solidarity — to be automatically extended to its members at the gold mines. However, there are several underlying factors at play. A fierce rivalry between Amcu and the NUM continues as they compete for members (and all-important membership fees). Meanwhile, Sibanye’s imminent acquisition of Lonmin, a distressed platinum miner in Amcu’s stronghold sector, may also influence hardening attitudes. Underscoring it all is an apparent clash of personalities between Amcu president Joseph Mathunjwa and Sibanye CEO Neal Froneman. The dispute over the wage agreement echoes the scenario in 20...
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