AMCU May Have to Cough Up R600 Million Over Strike

Johannesburg – Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) has a chance of winning its R600 million law suit against the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) for damages and losses suffered during the month-long wage-strike in the metal sector, reported the Times on Monday.

According to Amplats, the union ignored an order by the Labour Court to make marshals available to monitor behavior of the striking members.

Anglo American spokesperson, Mpumi Sithole, said the company suffered damages because of AMCU’s failure to control its striking workers. Amplats filed a R591 million law suit against the mine union.

“We would like to see an end to intimidation and vandalism. We want production to resume,” Sithole told The Times.

But on Sunday AMCU President, Joseph Mathunjwa told SABC the union was unaware of the law suit, and its leaders had not yet seen any court papers:

“I am not aware of such a law suit. To me it’s very simple, this is power play. Our members stand to lose income because of the strike and the employer stand to lose production, and this is a protected industrial action. If there is such a lawsuit that has been put before us, yes we have to protect the organisation because the only thing that the employer is trying, is trying to break the strike,” he was quoted as saying.

Thousands of AMCU members downed tools in the platinum sector end of January, demanding R12 500 entry level salary for all members.

photo credit: funyansfr via photopin cc

More Stories From SABreakingNews:
SONA: Answers After Elections Click to Read More…
William and Harry Help Flood Victims in UK:Click to Read More…
Motorcyclist Gunned Down in Road Rage Incident: Click to Read More…