The NUM confirmed in a media release that it had, on Tuesday, issued a notice in terms of section 64 of the Labour Relations Act indicating that workers will be embarking on a protected industrial action at Sibanye Stillwater operations.

The industrial action will commence on 9 March, starting with the evening shift which is set to start at 18:00. The last shift reporting for service will be the morning shift and afternoon shifts of the same date.

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The reason for the industrial action relates to the matters of mutual interest which are the topic of the CCMA matter under case number GAJB186-21.

The NUM is determined to pursue its demands for an increase of R1 000 for surface and underground miners and 6% for artisans, miners and officials.

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NUM National Spokesperson, Livhuwani Mammburu, says the NUM has not been willing to undergo industrial action but given the "arrogance of Sibanye Stillwater the union is forced to embark on nationwide industrial action that will change the gold mining landscape forever. The captains of the industry have continuously awarded themselves huge bonuses while mineworkers are earning poverty wages".

He adds the NUM is unshakable too in its demand for a living wage and as such the Sibanye's Stillwater final offer would meet the union‘s final demand or "there shall be dust on the streets of Carletonville and Welkom".

Release