Platinum miners have achieved "real gains" in the settlement signed yesterday, says Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Cape Town.
Archbishop
Makgoba, who joined other church leaders in maintaing contact with both
parties during the strike, issued the following statement today:
"I want to congratulate AMCU and the platinum mining companies on settling the strike.
"The
negotiations and the strike have been tough and drawn out, but
negotiation has triumphed. Although democracy is messy and complex, it
creates a more secure atmosphere for harmony and collaboration in the
longer term.
"The union and its members can feel satisfied they have achieved
real gains - for now and the future - on the best terms available. The
managements can feel that a more equitable deal for their workers will
help to secure labour peace in the future."