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Most of Lonmin workers report for duty
TOPSHOTS ... Striking Lonmin mine workers listen to Association of Mine- workers and Construction Union (AMCU) President Joseph Mathunjwa on Wednesday at the Wonderkop stadium in Marikana during an illegal strike. Miners failed to report for a morning shift extending the strike into its second day and paralysing 13 shafts belonging to the world’s third largest platinum producer.
JOHANNESBURG – Lonmin (JSE:LON) said yesterday that 86 percent of workers at its South African mines have reported for the morning shift after a two-day strike.
Lonmin spokesperson Sue Vey said 83 percent of employees returned to work with the night shift on Wednesday, an indication the wildcat strike appeared to be over.
On Wednesday, Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) president Joseph Mathunjwa held a meeting with the workers and told them to return to work.
“There are channels to be followed... go back to work so that your enemies will not take advantage of this situation,” Mathunjwa told the workers gathered at nearby Wonderkop stadium.
Workers associated with Amcu downed tools on Tuesday, demanding the immediate closure of the National Union of Mineworkers’ offices at Lonmin.
Mathunjwa said there was a case at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on the dispute over the recognition of Amcu as majority union at Lonmin.
He said “I am going to the CCMA tomorrow (Thursday) where a final decision will be made as to who is the boss at Lonmin.”
As much as workers were angered by the murder of the union’s North West regional organiser Mawethu Steven, they should not “make his death in vain”.
“We loved Steven. He fought for our rights. Let’s go back (to work) to honour him.”
Mathunjwa said Amcu leaders were being hunted down “like dogs”.
He urged workers to not give in to any threats or intimidation.
“Do not let NUM confuse you... do not allow them to be a stumbling block on your way, our destination cannot be determined by individuals.”
He told the cheering workers even if he could be killed “the spirit will live to take Amcu forward”.– Nampa-SAPA
