The biggest union in the platinum sector can now strike with a 48-hour notice after rejecting a pay increase offer from the platinum giant.
Murders at Marikana resulting from union rivalry between the NUM and Amcu has violated the peace accord signed in February, says Thandi Modise.
Anglo American Platinum’s majority union says its members will decide whether to go back to work at the mine after hearing a new job-cut proposal.
Amcu would be wary about handling the strikes against lay-offs at Anglo American Platinum because it may determine its validity as a union.
A man has been assaulted near Amplats mine, where hundreds of miners downed tools in an attempt to force the mine not to retrench 3 300 workers.
Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant has called for a swift end to strikes over wage increases, saying talks need not always result in industrial action.
The mining union’s change of tactics governing wage talks has suggested that last year’s bloody mine violence at Marikana may be avoided this year.
As the anniversary of the Marikana massacre draws closer, President Jacob Zuma has urged miners to remain calm and reflect on the "sad loss of life".
The NUM and Solidarity have laughed off the wage and living allowance increase put forward, adding to fears over strike action in the sector.
Sibanye Gold says it will refuse to raise wages above the rate of inflation as gold producers and unions remain locked in talks over pay.
As rivals Amcu and the NUM circle over mines in a desperate attempt to wrestle power, employers might have to brace for unsettling demands.
The bodies of two mineworkers trapped underground after a rockfall at Anglo American Platinum’s Bathopele mine in Rustenburg have been located.
Unions across the board have stood firm on wage demands, but employers say giving in to these would have dire consequences for the industry.
As the former majority union, the NUM now falls very short of representing enough works to allow it organisational rights at the platinum mine.
Let’s hope the framework agreement for a sustainable mining industry will direct the state to get the sector and its laws on track.
Even if Amcu signs, it will not resolve turf wars or satisfy wage demands.
Kgalema Motlanthe has downplayed the existence of a long list of demands by Amcu at the signing of a mining agreement after the union walked out.
The company stands firm that dismissed workers will not be reinstated unless they reapply for their jobs, but Amcu says its members won’t play ball.
If the platinum miner disputes the action, the union may bring an urgent application before the labour court.
Lonmin says it has failed to reach a recognition agreement with Amcu after marathon talks, paving the way for a possible strike.
Amcu has threatened to serve a 48-hour strike notice if they don’t get what they want by Wednesday, but Lonmin says an agreement can be reached.
Platinum producer Lonmin and Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union are in talks to avert a strike, says a union official.
Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant’s heart is in the right place, but her attempts to engage with mines’ employees and unions could be misplaced.
Anglo American Platinum will begin the formal process to cut 6 000 mining jobs at the end of this week, the company has said.
Lonmin has back-pedalled on its agreement to give the NUM until July to vacate its Marikana offices, pushing the deadline up to May 31.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union is clearly the National Union of Mineworkers’s worst nightmare.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union’s battle to consolidate power over the NUM has taken on martial proportions.
Given what happened last year at Lonmin’s Marikana mine, it’s as well to approach the recent developments there carefully.
Striking workers at the Lonmin platinum mine in Marikana in the North West have resolved to return to work immediately.
Mawethu Steven’s death is proof that there are deadly problems in Marikana, including a deep distrust of police and hidden motives for killing.
A slain Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union leader received death threats before he was killed, the union says.
The community of the Nkaneng informal settlement, near Marikana, must seek "calm" after three fatal shootings in the area, says the ANC.