A South African court has issued an order for 5,500 striking miners to return to work at Northam Platinum's Thabazimbi mine, according to Northam spokeswoman James Duncan.

The interdict stipulates that workers must resume work within 48 hours from Tuesday or risk losing their jobs.

However, Lesiba Seshoka of the National Union of Mineworkers was sceptical as to how effective the interdict might be.

"We're not so sure how much the interdict will work. It was spontaneous action on the part of the workers," he told Reuters.

Since the strike began it is estimated to have resulted in a shortfall in production of some 6,000 oz of platinum group metals (pgms), with losses of 72 million rand accruing as a result.

Reports last week had suggested that the strike, which has been ongoing since the 29th of April, might be winding down and may even have been over by Friday.

The industrial action flared-up following miners' complaints over two officials alleged to be racist and a demand that the company's Chief Executive Officer is relocated.

Source:

Court orders Northam Platinum strikers back to work, 08/05/07
http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnBAN825721.html

Northam strike ordered to stop, 08/05/07
http://business.iafrica.com/news/706961.htm


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