Union’s adviser denies meddling: by Karl Gernetzky The activist think-tank advising the union in the platinum strike has responded to claims it had torpedoed talks by saying its role is a technical one, to help the union interrogate information. Scepticism on the part of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) over employers’ claims that they cannot afford the R12,500 entry wage demanded, predates the involvement of the Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC), which Amcu asked for advice only at the end of April. The centre, established in 1996, says it provides data and information to organisations including trade unions. It has previously consulted across the spectrum of labour federations, including providing climate change analysis for the National Union of Mineworkers, says AIDC director Brian Ashley. AIDC was also asked to provide information on pay structures at Lonmin for the Marikana commission of inquiry into the violence at the mine in 2012. Amcu president Joseph Mathunjwa said last week the union may hold its own briefing on its views on how companies acted in the global market. Mr Ashley denied the centre had any intention to prolong the strike or had leverage over Amcu in terms of accepting or rejecting offers: We don’t overstep our mandate and role. We have in no way any interest in extending the strike. Article published with the kind courtesy of bdlive.co.za
Posted on: Mon, 09 Jun 2014 12:43:50 +0000
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