NUM defies court’s ruling to end strike

MINE workers will continue to strike at Northam Platinum’s Zondereinde mine in Limpopo despite a court interdict ordering them to return to work, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said yesterday.

“The reason they’re continuing with the strike is because they cannot allow a situation where Zondereinde Platinum alters policies whenever they like, because as workers they fought hard for those policies to be there in the company,” said acting national spokesman Livhuwani Mammburu

Mammburu alleged a woman who is related to the general manager was employed by the mine without proper procedures being followed. “They alerted management of the dismal practice, but management tried to justify it and threatened them with disciplinary action.”

Workers were reportedly also threatened with dismissal when they took valid sick leave, he said.

“Workers have tried everything lawful to meet management, but they have refused. The strike was the last option for them. The only thing that’s going to resolve this is for the management to meet with the branch leadership.”

Earlier, the mine said it had temporarily suspended operations to ensure the safety of its employees and company property.

“This decision has been taken amid rising tension at the mine, owing to incidents of intimidation, assault and threats of violence to non-striking employees and damage to property on 15 January 2015,” spokeswoman Marion Brower said.

Mammburu denied the claims. He encouraged the mine to report any incidents to law enforcement officials.

The NUM was expected to hold a media briefing at 3.30pm. It said more than 5 200 members went on a strike on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, the Labour Court granted an interim interdict to end the strike.

Brower said a large number of employees signalled a desire to return to work on Thursday in line with the ruling.

Disciplinary proceedings, including dismissal, would be implemented for those who did not return to work after the interdict, she said. – Sapa