NUM members at Impala Platinum Refineries on strike

NUM Press Statement,  27 September 2016

NUM members at Impala Platinum Refineries on strike

Over 500 members of the  National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) at Impala Platinum Refineries in Springs are currently on a protected strike which started today  after the NUM declared a wage dispute with the company at the CCMA.

The NUM started a marathon of rounds of wage negotiations early July 2016, after five rounds of wage negotiations the two  parties could not reach a settlement. The two parties met again on the 20th of September 2016 at the CCMA in Benoni in trying to reach an agreement. The facilitation by the CCMA was not successful. 

"After the wage negotiations failed at the CCMA, NUM members mandated us to apply for a certificate to strike and serve the company with a notice to strike," said Mpho Phakedi, NUM PWV Regional Secretary. 

The NUM members are demanding the following:

1. The dispute is over a staggered offer and we demand only two levels of staggering nothing more.

2. Decent medical cover 

The company is insisting on its in-house  medical plan that is undermining freedom of choice.

3. Housing allowance 

We demand decent allowance in particular for low levels with the view to close the gap between senior management and ordinary workers.

4. Shift allowance 

 It has never been increased since its inception and our members continue to be exploited

5. Standby allowance 

 The company refuses to increase it .

6. Retirement fund

We demand an increase in the contribution of the employer to equalise all employees of the company.

For more information, please contact: 

Mpho Phakedi: NUM PWV Region Regional Secretary: 082 882 3452

Mpho Mere: NUM Impala Platinum Refineries Deputy Branch Secretary:082 210 4309

Livhuwani Mammburu: NUM National Spokesperson: 083 809 3257

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

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