The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said it will meet mining company Impala Platinum on Wednesday afternoon after workers in Rustenburg downed tools and embarked on a strike over wage increases.
”We will first meet with the workers to listen to their complaints and then meet with management to respond to their wage offer,” said NUM spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka.
He said the strike, which started on Monday evening when the night shift was supposed to start work, was continuing.
Tuesday’s industrial action turned violent, leading to the arrest of ten miners for public violence after cars were set alight.
Police spokesperson Captain Braam Kramer said police had to fire rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
Kramer said police patrolled the area overnight as there were rumours of plans to torch more property.
The union had initially ”suspended” the strike, but then changed its mind due to management’s ”attitude” — despite the parties having reached a wage agreement.
The workers wanted a 10% wage increase and mine management offered them 9,5% but later reviewed it and matched their demands.
Seshoka said management came out with an offer only hours before the strike was scheduled to begin.
He claimed that ”criminals disguised as workers” set fire to the two cars.
Impala Platinum, which is the world’s second-largest platinum producer, said the work stoppage appears to be related to communication between the union and its members. — Sapa