S. Africa workers down tools at platinum mines over salary disagreements

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Workers affiliated to the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) downed tools on Thursday.

The strike hit Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) mines, Impala Platinum mines and Lonmin Marikana mines over salary disagreements.

"The Company (Lonmin) expects losses to be in the region of 3, 100 platinum ounces per day during the strike. The South African labor relations legislation 'no work-no pay' principle applies," the company said.

Mpumi Sithole, the spokesperson of Anglo American Platinum mines, said they experienced a low turnout of workers on Thursday.

Amplats encouraged workers to return to work to maintain the company's viability and save the existing jobs.

Sithole said, "The Company has recorded low attendance following the initiation of industrial action this morning and expects production to be impacted by the strike action. Safe shutdown procedures have been implemented throughout all impacted operations."

The AMCU wants the entry level of employees to be pegged at 12, 500 rands.

Workers affiliated to the National Union of Mine Workers turned up for work. Amplats said they are making measures to ensure that workers who report for work are safe.

The police say they are monitoring the situation in the platinum sectors to ensure there is peace. Endi

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