In what seems like an annual event, platinum mining companies in South Africa are bracing for what could be another year of labour unrest.
The firms that mine the precious metal and the labour unions that represent their workers are in talks next week, trying to hammer out a deal that could avert a strike of similar magnitude to 2014.
That year, a strike led by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) forced major producers Amplats (LSE:AAL), Implats (OTCMKTS:IMPUY) and Lonmin (LSE:LMI) to shed over 70,000 jobs. The strike lasted 21 weeks, cost the industry R24 billion, and resulted in 1.3 million ounces of lost production – about a third of global output. South Africa and Russia combined account for close to 80% of global supply of palladium and 70% of platinum output which are mainly used to clean emissions in automobiles.
BDLive, via Reuters, reports the AMCU is demanding a pay rise of 56%, in line with a “living wage”, while the National Union of Mineworkers is asking for a 20% wage hike – well over the 6.1% rate of inflation. The mining companies say they can’t afford the pay increases, arguing that last year they were forced to tap shareholders to raise cash, and that the unions’ demands are unrealistic:
“We have ensured that shop stewards have been appropriately trained and have a good understanding of our business and the challenging environment in which we operate,” Implats spokeswoman Alice Lourens told Reuters.
The unions however will no doubt argue that the market is turning. Platinum prices are up by 22% this year and the World Platinum Council said earlier this year that the market will be in a deficit supply situation for the fifth year in a row.
In a weekly newsletter last year, reported by Mineweb, Metals Focus explained the problems with the South African platinum mining industry are many, and include:
8 Comments
roger
I am in platinum futures…..no strikes. I am out of platinum overproducing. I would not have platinum mines shares in s.a. Today. Maybe outside Sa. Platinum is a beautiful metal…nr one amongs precious metals
roger
The priceincrease in platinum is bec.strikethreats…. No strikes platinum Will fall 30% and platinum mines Will face higher salaries and lower platinum prices….
sthe
A lot has to be done to contain such threats by chamber of mines. Having such an ailing economy, we cannot afford to situations that threatens growth.
Shabalala
You gave them too much knowledge or less.The irony is that after been appropriately trained and having a good understanding of your business and the challenging environment in which you operate, they now know that you can afford 20%-56% increase.To management, go figure and to the unions, happy hunting>:
roger
South Africa mines are in catch 22 situation. Higher salaries, no strike overproducing then follow lower platinum prices…..
disqussted999
Anyone know if PLG (Platinum Group Metals, Inc) would we involved as well, or is this aimed at only some of the PT mining companies?
roger
it is for the three biggest platinum companys in the world, salary talks….
Personix Generix
Historically there have been 2 types of cultures in the world: whiners and doers.