Gold miner Sibanye Stillwater retrenches almost 170 workers
South African miner Sibanye has retrenched almost 170 employees following a consultation process at Beatrix 4 shaft and Kloof 1 plant. This publication has learned that the mining company said the consultations – which were held in accordance with Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act – were constructive and helped to minimise jobs losses.
Gold miner Sibanye Stillwater retrenches almost 170 workers
South African miner Sibanye has retrenched almost 170 employees following a consultation process at Beatrix 4 shaft and Kloof 1 plant.
This publication has learned that the mining company said the consultations – which were held in accordance with Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act – were constructive and helped to minimise jobs losses.
This was also caused by the closure of the two gold operations, which originally threatened the jobs of 1 959 employees.
According to Sibanye, 136 employees accepted transfer opportunities to available positions at other group operations in the SA region; while 552 workers were granted voluntary separation or early retirement packages; and natural attrition accounted for 103 less affected employees.
“Regrettably 168 employees could not be accommodated, or chose not to participate in the agreed avoidance measures, and as such will be retrenched,” Sibanye said in a statement late on Thursday.
Various publications in South Africa such as News24 Business reported that this number included 39 learners who will be given the opportunity to complete their training.
Furthermore, this included 59 employees who turned down what the company called a reasonable alternative position within the company.
Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman said: “While the decision to close or restructure operations is never taken lightly, the closure of the end of life, and loss-making operations are necessary to ensure sustainability for the remainder of the business.
“We are pleased with the outcome of this S189 process … through constructive and cooperative engagement, we have been able to preserve the vast majority of jobs initially at risk. We acknowledge and thank all stakeholders for their constructive engagement.”
BTA has also discovered that the retrenchment process was started as part of a proposed restructuring of the company’s gold operations.
This was a result of ongoing losses experienced at the Beatrix 4 shaft and the impact of depleting surface mineral reserves to the Kloof 1 plant.
