Platinum producer Lonmin has finally recognised the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) as a majority union at its mines. The two parties signed an Employee recognition agreement on Wednesday.

This comes ahead of the commemoration of the Marikana tragedy on Friday.

Both parties say the deal marks the beginning of a new era at the mine. Amcu says it shows the Marikana deaths last year were not in vain, while Lonmin says the agreement sets the company on a good footing operationally.

Lonmin CEO, Ben Magara says, “As an employer, we do not choose a union, our employees, the majority of them, in excess of 60% as a total company, have elected Amcu as their union.”

The deal comes into full effect next year. Smaller unions like UASA and Solidarity will still be allowed at the negotiating table this year. But from next year they will need a minimum of 30% representation to participate.

Lonmin says it has agreed to sacrifice production on Friday. That’s to allow workers to commemorate the deaths of their colleagues. But the no-work no-pay principle will apply, meaning those who want to participate will have to sacrifice their day’s salaries.
For more http://www.sabc.co.za