SIBANYE STRIKE ENDS WITH AMCU PEACE COMMITMENT

THE FIVE-MONTH-LONG Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) strike at Sibanye-Stillwater’s gold operations has ended, with the union conceding the same three-year wage agreement previously signed with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Solidarity and UASA in respect of wages and conditions of service for the period July 1 last year to June 30, 2021. Amcu squeezed out an ex gratia payment of R4 000 for all employees at Sibanye Stillwater’s gold operations in the form of cash or a voucher to alleviate hardship, as well as the offer of a cash advance of R5 000 upon request of the employees that will be repayable over 12 months. Sibanye-Stillwater conceded to waive its rights to reclaim costs incurred on behalf of employees during the strike, including contributions to medical schemes and pension/provident funds, accommodation and feeding costs, will provide transport for employees to return to work, and that any employees who were dismissed for strike-related misconduct will be subject to normal disciplinary proceedings in line with the company’s disciplinary code and proceedings. Amcu initially opposed the three-year wage agreement with the NUM, Solidarity and UASA, which allows for salaries to increase by R650 for the first year, R700 for the second year and R825 for the third year. Amcu demanded a minimum wage increase of R12 500, with a R1 000 increase for three years. According to the agreement signed yesterday, Amcu will commit to concluding a peace pact within 30 days and abide by previous court decisions that no further appeals would be pursued, among other things. The parties have agreed to a facilitated “post-strike conflict” relationship-building programme. Last month, the Labour Court ruled that a wage agreement between Sibanye-Stillwater and some unions, which has been extended to Amcu and non-unionised employees, was valid and lawful, making Amcu’s long strike unprotected.