Solidarity concerned over loss of recognition at Lonmin

JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – With the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) recognised as the only trade union at platinum miner Lonmin’s operations, Lonmin has removed the recognition and organisational rights of minority trade unions Solidarity, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Uasa, according to Solidarity.

AMCU is currently the largest trade union on site at Lonmin’s operations.

“The tension in the workplace caused by this will leave Lonmin’s shareholders worried because this reckless decision by Lonmin’s management will be a major threat to the harmony and stability that currently exist,” claimed Solidarity general secretary Gideon du Plessis.

Solidarity believes that this decision has infringed upon worker rights, leaving them without the freedom to belong to a union of their choice, with the three sidelined unions representing the “majority of skilled employees” at Lonmin.

Du Plessis commented that, with AMCU mostly focused on the interests of entry-level workers, it would be unlikely that this group of employees would join the last remaining trade union at the operation.

“This means that skilled workers are thrown to the wolves and left to their own devices. This will also mean that the most important category of employees will become demotivated and have no loyalty towards Lonmin,” he added.

“Solidarity strongly appeals to Lonmin to maintain the recognition of the three trade unions and to restore their credibility as honest stakeholders, thereby preventing the negative consequences of this decision,” he concluded.