Amcu demands salary increase

HIGHVELD – Members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) took to the streets to demand a wage increase.

Sasol Mining employees were picketing at the eMba/Charlie 1 road on Thursday, 25 August.

This came after the union and Sasol Mining could not meet common ground over wages during negotiations on 23 and 24 June.

Amcu is demanding wages of R12 500 and Sasol Mining apparently offered a seven per cent increase for the present and five per cent from January.

According Mr Patrick Ndlovu, Amcu Regional Organiser, they will be peacefully picketing in the area.

“We are calling on Sasol to consider their employees and do the right thing.

“The money we are earning is too little and does not meet our needs.”

He also slammed other unions at Sasol and said they are selling out workers by always agreeing with the employer.

“These people do not represent the workers, but do everything in their own interest.”

He said they will hand over a memorandum at Sasol Rosebank.

“This is a peaceful march and we are fighting for better wages.

“We will continue until our demands are met,” said one of the marchers.

The union disputed the allegations that its members assaulted employees who were not protesting.

Mr Alex Anderson, Head of Group Media Relations, said Amcu notified Sasol of a protected strike that commenced on Thursday, 25 August and that the notice impacts the Sasol Mining business in Secunda.

“We have received reports of sporadic incidents of violence and intimidation.

“We remain committed to the safety of our employees, contractors and the community.

“An isolated incident of vandalism of one of the conveyer belts over the weekend had a limited impact on part of our mining operations. However, repairs were undertaken and operations have resumed.

“Sasol’s Secunda Synfuels Operations continue as normal with no impact on liquid fuels and chemicals production.”

Mr Anderson said according to their records, approximately 300 employees are participating in the strike.

“Sasol has put contingency plans in place to ensure that safe, reliable and stable operations are maintained during this time.

“We will continue to proactively monitor the situation.

“While Amcu has asked for a minimum wage of R12 500 per month for its members, the packages for our unionised employees at Sasol Mining are already above this amount. Our entry level employees at our mining operations earn a total package of R15 895, including monthly travel allowances.

“We will continue to engage Amcu to bring a swift and amicable resolution to this matter.”