South Africa: Platinum Strike - Ramatlhodi Out - No End in Sight

Johannesburg-S.A. (June 10)   No agreement was reached today," AMCU president Joseph Mathunjwa told the media after leaving Monday's discussions, dashing hopes of the last day of government-led talks ending the four and a half month wage dispute.

In a statement Amplats, Implats and Lonmin, who have chosen to negotiate with the union as a bloc even though the platinum industry often negotiates on a company-by-company basis, unlike the gold sector, said the latest round of discussions "have unfortunately been dissolved without an outcome".

The producers continued: "The companies thank the Minister of Mineral Resources, Advocate Ngoako Ramathlodi, and Deputy Minister, Mr Godfrey Oliphant, and members of the inter-governmental technical task team for their initiatives and efforts. During this process the producers have sought to arrive at a fair and sustainable settlement that would preserve the future of the platinum industry and limit job losses in the country. While the producers remain committed to a negotiated settlement,...

~~As expected, discussions on the platinum strike facilitated by Mining Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi ended on Monday without result. Another mediation attempt has failed to break the deadlock as Associated Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) members edge towards five months with no pay. What's next?

Source: AllAfrica