Amplats may still save some jobs

"Anglo American Platinum confirms that it is engaged in discussions with its key stakeholders, labour unions and government, regarding the portfolio review. Updates will be issued as and when appropriate," spokesman Mpumi Sithole said on Monday (28 January).

A formal announcement on whether talks would succeed in saving jobs was expected soon.

According to a report on Sunday (27 January), Amplats had put the planned retrenchments on hold for two months.

Unnamed sources told The Sunday Independent that Amplats chief executive Chris Griffiths had written to affected unions confirming Amplats' decision to allow a two-month moratorium on its restructuring.

Amplats announced the retrenchments on 15 January that would affect at least 13,000 workers from Rustenburg, in the North West province.

According to The Sunday Independent, part of Amplats' new agreement could include setting up a task team to investigate the findings on the profitability of the two shafts it planned to shut.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge