27 May

UASA Media Release: 27 May 2024

Image source: Wikipedia.

Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:

The continuous retrenchment discussions at Impala Platinum are of enormous economic concern considering the known stability of the mining industry, which has recently recorded advanced challenges that pose threats to job security.

Against this unpleasant background, UASA constructively participates, engages and negotiates with employers in all its member sectors to ensure that lay-offs are minimised and that workers retain their jobs in the face of looming retrenchments in the mining sector.

UASA notes that through consultations in terms of Section 189(3) of the Labour Relations Act, the total number of affected workers came down from 1,164 to 574 at the Rustenburg, Bafokeng operations.

UASA has encouraged the affected workers to apply for voluntary severance packages (VSPs). Affected workers have been notified that VSP applications will be accepted until 04 June 2024. After this period, a discussion will occur regarding the affected positions where no VSP applications were received.

Implats explained that the financial sustainability and profitability of the company are under threat due to a prolonged decline in the Platinum Group Metals’ basket price environment.

Implats is not the only mining house that has come forward with job cuts discussions.  Anglo American Platinum, the world’s largest platinum producer, and Sibanye Stillwater also previously came forward with discussions of possible job cuts, some of which have already been recorded.

While it is disheartening to see that some workers are still affected, UASA commends Impala for its collaboration with organised labour and other stakeholders to minimise the effect of job cuts. Every job counts and is worth saving; hence, reducing the initial affected jobs by more than half is commendable.

For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.

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