AMCU's eyes on Medupi

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), the union leading the economically devastating strike at platinum mines in Rustenburg and Northam, is in the process of applying for organisational rights and Section 21 recognition at the Medupi power plant in Lephalale. 
This has given rise to fears that the Medupi project might also be plagued by the same calibre of strike action that has paralysed platinum miners Lonmin, Anglo Platinum and Impala Platinum since January.
But regional spokesperson for AMCU, Moses Mqhaui is adamant that AMCU is not looking to strike at Medupi. He told Northern News that around 1 000 Medupi workers have been recruited. “We are introducing ourselves to workers and applying for recognition while adhering to regulations,” he added.
Wayne Derksen, president of the Lephalale Chamber of Commerce, says the chamber is  concerned about AMCU’s presence at Medupi.
“The economy of Lephalale took a huge knock during the 2013 Numsa strikes. We cannot afford to have another strike.”
He explained that AMCU needs 30% representation at any mine or major construction project to acquire minimum rights, this includes meeting with members after hours. “If they get more than 50% representation at Medupi, Eskom will have to recognise their appointed shop stewards at the site.”
Someone who is critical of the way AMCU operates is Leon Grobler, acting CEO of UASA - one of South Africa’s oldest trade unions with a rich labour history dating back to 1894. Grobler believes that under the leadership of AMCU president Joseph Mathunjwa, South Africa is “experiencing one of the most brutal and economically devastating strikes in history”.
“Not only is he responsible for all his followers being impoverished after 16 weeks of strike action, but through this action, thousands of innocent non-strikers and other stakeholders in the economy are suffering, many who might never be able to recover from the irreparable harm caused by the action,” he wrote in a statement this week.
“Mathunjwa should realise that he is not going to get the employers to agree to his demands for a monthly salary of R12 500. He proved his point and now is the time to show good statesmanship and creativity to bring the strike to an end,” says Grobler
Derksen believes that a better working wage for labourers is not what is driving AMCU. He says the union that played a leading role in the strike that saw 34 miners were killed during a clash with police near Marikana in North West two years ago is endeavouring to advance itself in competition with other unions.
A full-time shop-steward for the rival National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa) told the Citizen newspaper this week that AMCU was recruiting fiercely in Marapong. “If AMCU is recognised, it will destabilise Medupi as it did in the platinum belt,” he said.
According to the report, Mathuthu alleges that AMCU is making unrealistic promises to workers, including a R40 000 monthly salary for artisans currently earning R15 000. AMCU allegedly also promised a R250 monthly travel allowance.
While unions continue to lobby, hope remains that the Medupi project will run its course without major strike action to see first power delivered to the South African electricity grid by the end of the year.