Mineral Resources Minister Mr Mosebenzi J Zwane has welcomed the agreement reached late yesterday between employer Impala Platinum and labour union NUM, following a two-year impasse between the two parties.
The Memorandum of Understanding will see workers who had been asked to leave the employer during strikes in the platinum sector in Rustenburg in 2012 following safety concerns, returning to their employment, and being reintegrated back into the workforce.
"We are encouraged that the parties were able to find each other after what has been over two years of challenging negotiations between them," Minister Zwane said.
"This agreement serves as testament to the value of continuous engagement in the interest of all concerned, and contributes to further stability in that area, in line with the Framework Agreement for A Sustainable Mining Industry," Minister Zwane said.
Minister Zwane further thanked all the parties involved in reaching this milestone - including the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration, the SAPS, Department of Mineral Resources, NUM and Impala.
Enquiries:
Mr Martin Madlala
Cell: 063 505 4199
E-mail: martin.madlala@dmr.gov.za
