[miningmx.com] – THE Association of Mineworkers & Construction Union (AMCU) is to convene a meeting of its leaders today to “consult and explore the way forward”, said AFP citing a statement by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
“The CCMA mediators met with Amcu today (Monday) as part of the continuing mediation process,” the CCMA said in a statement.
“As a result of the engagement, Amcu has convened a meeting of its leadership structures to consult and explore the way forward.” AMCU was expected to report back to the CCMA on February 19 (Wednesday).
There is pressure increasing on all sides for AMCU as members head into their second month without salaries whilst Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) has initiated legal action against the union for R600m worth of damage to company property.
In addition, Amplats is taking legal action against AMCU leaders for breaking picketing rules that had been agreed with the CCMA.
Speaking at the results of parent company, Anglo American, Chris Griffith, CEO of Amplats, said he expected there to be progress in wage talks this week partly owing to the pressure placed on the union.
Amplats has offered basic page increases of between 7% and 9% over a three-year period whilst AMCU is demanding a basic salary of R12,500 per month for all employees, a demand the industry said it could not afford.
