A month after all its South African operations were brought to a standstill, AngloGold Ashanti has finally issued its striking workforce an ultimatum to return to work by 14h00 today or face dismissalThe ultimatum came with the warning that ore bodies and underground infrastructure have started to deteriorate to the point where some of the mines could be sterilised.
“The point has now been reached where further steps must be taken to try break the deadlock and encourage a rapid return to normal operations,”said a company statement. “It is regretful that matters have reached this stage, with job losses now being threatened and livelihoods for thousands of families being placed at risk.”
The strike action started on September 20 at AngloGold’s Kopanang shaft and spread soon to its entire South African asset base. At Kopanang and Great Noligwa, however, workers have begun to return to work, AngloGold said.
TThe company said on Monday it was losing 32,000 ounces of gold per week due to the strike.
Employees who heed the warning will be entitled to the improved wage offer previously agreed to by the Chamber of Mines and National Union of Mineworkers.
