A stand-off between rival unions National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Association Mineworkers and Construction Unions (AMCU) is looming at Impala Platinum in Rustenburg. AMCU is now the majority union, but NUM disputes this and has called for an independent audit.

Implats has given NUM a thirty day notice, to increase its membership, or its recognition agreement with the mine will expire.  

AMCU is demanding NUM vacates its offices, because it is no longer the majority union. AMCU chairperson, Mnqabulo Sayinyova says: “NUM’s time is over, Zokwana’s time is over, AMCU is in control of almost all the shafts here. AMCU is the one dominating in all these shafts we say viva to AMCU.”

But NUM disputes AMCU’s figures. It wants an independent verification of membership. The union claims it’s unable to recruit due to intimidation.  NUM regional secretary, Sidwell Dolokwane, says:  “We will continue to stay at Impala until verification is done by an independent body recognised as well like the CCMA.”

During the two month mine workers strike at Implats, early last year, many NUM members defected to AMCU. Since then, there’s been a dispute over which of the unions is the dominant one.

 Implats however has confirmed that AMCU has the larger membership. It has given the NUM 30 days to increase its membership. Unless it does this, NUM’s recognition agreement with Implats will be rendered null and void.

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