South African Union NACTU Mulls Joining Platinum Mine Strike to Increase Pressure

JOHANNESBURG (Scrap Monster) : Tightening the pressure on Platinum firms, a new South African labor union, the National Council of Trade Unions (NACTU) has announced their plan to join the ongoing platinum mine strike. Enriched with about 150,000 members, Nactu mulls withdrawing some of their members from the platinum mine workplaces so as to add to the current pressure on the platinum firm bosses. With no sign of wage negotiation, Nactu has also come forward, joining hands with the largest SA labor union, AMCU.

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) had took the charge of the platinum mine strikes from Jan. 23 which have now continuing for the ninth week without any sight of settlement. The 10 % wage demand of AMCU was slammed by the top SA mine owner, citing it as unrealistic and unaffordable. The uncompromised approach of both the parties is dragging the industry wide strike for two months, thereby halting the platinum production of the country. The close down of platinum mine operation is crippling the entire economy of the country and shaking the global platinum industry.

The President of Nactu, Mr. Joseph Maqhekeni has announced the participation today saying that the team spirit and the collaborated strike is their last resort for accomplishing their demand. With more member participation, they hope to acquire their wage demand by pressurizing the company owners to answer their demand. According to Maqhekeni, they are examining the situation and are looking forward to brief their decision with AMCU. They are also looking forward for any further mediation talks with the disputing parties. Maqhekeni stated that they intend to move ahead with the strike through solidarity with AMCU.