The dismissal of 17,200 employees at the Impala Platinum mine on 2nd February 2012 after employees embarked on strike action is a serious cause for concern.
So says the Minister of Labour, Mildred Oliphant who also urged the parties to use the services of the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) as a way out of the impasse.
“While there may be real problems raised by the industrial action embarked upon by employees of Impala a few weeks ago, problems of this kind are best dealt with through conflict resolution measures between management, employees and the trade unions concerned,” she said.
Mass dismissals will have a very negative effect on employees and the communities from which they come. They also impact negatively on workplace relations and impose additional costs of re-hiring and re-training for management, she added.
The CCMA has offered its services to the parties in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act on Friday 3rd February 2012. The Department understands that the CCMA’s offer of assistance has already been accepted by the National Union of Mineworkers and has further urged all parties to resolve their differences through constructive dialogue as soon as possible.
Enquiries:
Musa Zondi
Cell: 0829018081
Labour Minister concerned about dismissal of 17,200 Impala Platinum Mine employees
