Sibanye reveals independent study sees NUM, UASA & Solidarity as the majority

Sibanye-Stillwater, a leading mining company, recently conducted an independent investigation to verify the representation of unions involved in the current wage deal. The study confirmed that the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), United Association of South Africa (UASA), and Solidarity represent the majority of employees at their gold operations. This revelation has sparked a legal dispute with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) challenging the outcome of the verification exercise. The company appointed Tokyo as the independent agent to conduct the investigation, ensuring credibility and transparency in the process. Themba Nkosi, the Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Sibanye-Stillwater, emphasized that the study's outcome was crucial in determining the validity of extending the current agreement to minority unions. The 53% majority representation by NUM, UASA, and Solidarity was a significant factor in this decision. Despite objections from AMCU regarding the verification process, Sibanye-Stillwater defended their methodology. Nkosi explained that the company had diligently verified the union memberships of over 3,000 employees, addressing any changes that occurred within a specified period. By following the court's directives and ensuring the integrity of the verification process, Sibanye-Stillwater remained confident in the study's findings. The company's proactive approach to resolving the union representation issue reflected in their decision to approach the labor court for validation of the study. Nkosi affirmed that even if the court were to rule differently, Sibanye-Stillwater was prepared to defend the credibility of their verification process. The company's commitment to upholding the court's directives and engaging with all relevant stakeholders showcased their dedication to fair labor practices. Additionally, Sibanye-Stillwater had previously extended a substantial offer to end the strike, which included a significant cash payment for striking employees. However, the latest statement indicated a reduction of this offer to zero, signaling a shift in the company's negotiation strategy. Despite this change, Sibanye-Stillwater remained focused on reaching a resolution that would benefit both the employees and the company. The timeframe for the court's ruling on the verification report was estimated to be within the next two weeks, providing clarity on the legal status of the union representation. Sibanye-Stillwater's proactive engagement with the labor court and commitment to transparency in the verification process demonstrated their dedication to resolving the ongoing labor dispute in a fair and equitable manner.