Mine workers affiliated to Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union(AMCU) on Monday returned to work after a wildcat strike at Sibanye Gold’s Kroondal mine in the North West.

Workers embarked on an indefinite strike last week Friday demanding that the mine’s management allocate workers, who knock off late in the evening, transport as they were allegedly often mugged by thugs when returning home.

Amcu said in a statement that the safety of workers is an imperative issue and transport should always be provided for their night shifts at Kroondal Mine.

Sibanye however successfully managed to obtain an interdict ordering its employees to return to work on Monday or face disciplinary action.

According to Sibanye Spokesperson James Wellsted there was poor attendance of employees on Monday morning but they remained hopeful that attendance would pick up.

“We expect them to report during the three o’clock shift this afternoon but we will obviously have to monitor that as we go,” Wellsted said.

With respect to the on-going negotiations to get transport for the workers, Wellsted said a task team had been set-up in January to look at the transport issue and the work of that task team will continue.

Wellsted said the work of the task team is at an advanced stage and what eventually led to the strike was a disagreement over procedural matters.

“I believe that work is continuing fine and there aren’t any issues with the pace at which the work is progressing,” said Wellsted.

Recently Sibanye Gold reported a staggering 240% increase in operating profit to R2.5bn for the first quarter of the year compared with R744m for the corresponding period last year.

Further, the company reported an expected rise in half-year profits due to an increase in the rand price. The report also showed a 14% increase in production and a 30% higher average rand gold price.
Source: http://www.thenewage.co.za