It was reported in the media on 04 July 2000 that the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) intended embarking on industrial action on 13 July 2000 at all Amplats operations. The report alleges that the NUM would obtain a certificate today (05 July 2000) allowing the Union to embark on industrial action. The report claims that employees work seven days a week and that the NUM represents 50% of the total workforce. The company is unaware of any formal dispute having been declared by the NUM, neither has it received any notification from the NUM or the CCMA that such an application has been lodged.
The company wishes to place on record that no employees work seven days a week at its operations, and that the actual membership of NUM is approximately 25% of the total workforce. In January 2000, the company initiated a joint process with all Unions/Associations to review its recognition and collective bargaining structures.
Apart from reviewing the above, this forum has been constructively addressing all outstanding matters between the company and it's recognised Unions and Associations. Agreements in principle have been reached on all major issues raised by all the Unions and Associations, including the NUM. The process of addressing 45 hour working week and the introduction of lunch break has already been agreed in principle in this forum.
In the meantime, the Company with the support of the Unions and Associations operates according to exemptions granted by the Department of Labour in compliance with legislation. The company is committed to continuing with the process of negotiations at this joint labour/management forum in order to reach a final agreement in all the outstanding issues referred to above. Issued by Group Public Affairs