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Amcu, gold producers in membership talks

Mahikeng - The meeting between the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) and gold producers to discuss the disputed membership numbers was very constructive and cordial, spokesperson for the producers Charmane Russel said on Tuesday.

"The companies and Amcu will meet again next week to further clarify any areas where there is not a common understanding," she said without giving details of the meeting.

Amcu is disputing the figures, and maintains its membership figures were closer to 40 000. According to data provided by gold producers, Amcu has a membership of 27 304 amounting to 29% of the more than 94 000 workforce. 

Russell said details were provided on the website.

"This is based on payroll deductions at the end of February 2015, but excludes employees from Gold Fields. [Gold Fields is no longer part of centralised negotiations]," she said.

According to the figures from the producers, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has a membership of 51 051 or 54%.

The United Association of South Africa has a membership of 6 261 (2%) and trade union Solidarity 2 312 (7%), while 7 679 (8%) of workers do not belong to any union.

Russell said every stop order request was scrutinised and verified by the companies.

"Information relating to representation is dealt with on a mine by mine level. This information is provided to all unions on a monthly basis."

She said these numbers reflect union dues and was not something that was taken lightly by companies.

"The figures that have been reported are aligned with payroll deductions and have not changed significantly in recent months. The companies have no reason to report incorrect information," she said.

"We do understand that there is a difference of opinion, and the gold company representatives are meeting with Amcu today [Tuesday] to resolve these differences. There is no deadline."

The current agreement comes to an end at the end of June.

Negotiations were expected to begin in May or June.

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