AMCU calls for secondary strike at coal, platinum sectors

The President of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), Joseph Mathunjwa, held an urgent press briefing today to address the critical issue of job losses in the mining sector. The focus of the briefing was on the recent retrenchments at Sibanye-Stillwater, where the company reported a loss of 1 billion rand and announced plans to retrench up to 6000 workers. Mathunjwa highlighted the challenges faced by the union in combating these job losses and proposed solutions to avoid further retrenchments. In response to the retrenchment plans at Sibanye-Stillwater, Mathunjwa criticized the company's decision to prioritize profit over the well-being of its workers. He pointed out that even profitable companies like Lonmin have resorted to retrenchments, signaling a disturbing trend in the mining industry. Mathunjwa emphasized the need for legislative reform to protect workers from indiscriminate retrenchments based solely on profit motives. During the press briefing, Mathunjwa outlined a series of proposals aimed at saving jobs and preventing further retrenchments. One of the key proposals put forward by the union is to target high-level executives for retrenchment, citing their excessive salaries and bonuses as a drain on the company's resources. By cutting back on these 'fat cats,' Mathunjwa believes that the company can safeguard the jobs of frontline workers and operational staff. The AMCU president also discussed the union's engagement with the Minerals Council of South Africa, specifically highlighting their interactions with CEO Roger Baxter. Despite presenting a memorandum to the council and receiving assurances of support, Mathunjwa expressed frustration at the lack of progress in addressing the job losses. He accused companies like Sibanye-Stillwater of employing underhanded tactics to undermine the union's efforts and maintain control over the labor force. In conclusion, Mathunjwa reiterated the union's commitment to fighting for the rights of mineworkers in South Africa and called for greater accountability from mining companies in their treatment of employees. The AMCU president emphasized the need for a collective effort to combat job losses and ensure a more equitable relationship between workers and employers in the mining sector.