The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has vowed to intensify its industrial action against Impala Platinum’s Triple M Mine outside Rustenburg in the North West, until its organisational rights are fully recognised and implemented.
The union began an indefinite strike last Friday, accusing the mining company of deliberately undermining collective bargaining processes and subjecting workers to substandard employment conditions.
Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, NUM General Secretary Mpho Phakedi said the strike was triggered by the company’s continued refusal to grant formal recognition to the union, despite meeting the required membership threshold.
“We have a report from March which clearly indicates that NUM is the leading union at the mine, exceeding the required 40% membership threshold, as verified through a definitive CCMA process. Yet, management continues to obstruct the lawful transition of organisational rights,” Phakedi said.
He commended striking members for their resilience, saying they have exercised patience throughout a year-long verification process.
“Our members have acted in good faith. The company’s refusal to recognise the union of workers’ choice is a direct violation of the Labour Relations Act,” he added.
Phakedi said NUM will not end the strike until management respects workers’ democratic choice and addresses outstanding labour concerns, including working conditions.
The union also raised concerns about what it described as a broader pattern of denial of organisational rights involving contractors operating at Impala Platinum, alleging attempts to weaken collective bargaining structures.
NUM’s national leadership is expected to meet with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on Thursday in an effort to seek further intervention.
Despite this, Phakedi said the union’s demands remain unchanged, including:
- Immediate formal recognition of NUM as a bargaining partner at Triple M Mine
- Full implementation of organisational rights in line with Section 21 of the Labour Relations Act
- Meaningful engagement on improving working conditions for all members
The union insists the strike will continue until these demands are met.
