The Industrial Action Report has found that most of the working days lost by industry were in the mining sector
Anglo American said on Monday the action, which started on Saturday at the Limpopo mine in response to the suspension of an Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union? (Amcu) shop steward, was resolved.
"All employees were brought safely to the surface on Sunday night. No production has been lost as this was a make-safe shift following a DMR [department of mineral resources] section 54 notice served on the mine," said spokesperson Mpumi Sithole in a statement.
About 2 300 workers started a sit-in on Saturday, demanding that the suspension of an Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) shop steward be lifted.
"The [Amcu] shop steward was suspended pending an inquiry for breach of safety regulations, which is against the company's behavioural procedure and in contravention of our zero harm objective," said Sithole.
She said Amplats's management and the union leadership engaged throughout the weekend to resolve the situation and ensure the safe evacuation of employees from underground.
'Participating in illegal activities'
"The company encourages employees to raise concerns through relevant channels available, and to refrain from participating in illegal activities," said chief executive Chris Griffith.
"We will not negotiate with employees engaged in illegal activity, especially behaviour and activity that endangers the lives of their fellow workers. Strong action will be taken against those who instigate this type of behaviour and activity."
Workers will return to work for night shift on Monday.
Platinum producers are bracing for more work stoppages as the National Union of Mineworkers and its rival Amcu have threatened top producers Amplats, Impala Platinum and Lonmin with strikes that could affect at least half of global output. – Sapa