Workers at two of Aquarius Platinum's mines are on an unsanctioned strike in protest over a staff cut and demands for a bonus from workers in the employ of contractor Murray & Roberts Cementation (MRC).

The strike involves 4,000 MRC staff and has impaired production levels at the Kroondal and Marikana mines by up to 40 per cent, while output levels have seen a reduction of 85 per cent.

Thus far, Aquarius' other mines remain unaffected by the action.

The roots of the strike lie in misgivings from MRC workers over the dismissal of 108 load haul dumper operators and the aforementioned bonus demand.

A statement issued by Aquarius said: "While this is a contractor issue, Aquarius Platinum South Africa has urged the parties to reach agreement within the ambit of the legislative framework and the recognition agreement.

"MRC and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), which has not sanctioned the strike action, are engaged in resolving the issues."

News of the fresh outbreak of industrial action in the platinum mining sector follows a strike at Northam Platinum's Thabazimbi mine involving 5,500 workers which was called off yesterday.

Sources:
Contract miners strike at Kroondal, Marikana mines
09/05/07
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=108639

Aquarius Platinum workers strike at two mines
09/05/07
http://www.mining-journal.com/Breaking_News.aspx?breaking_news_article_id=2481


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