South Africa miners strike intensifies
Reuters
2012-10-31
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Striking miners in South Africa remained in high spirits on Wednesday, despite an escalation of their strike that led to clashes with police.
Thousands of workers at the Anglo American Platinum mine in Rustenburg defied an ultimatum to return to work on Tuesday.
Striking miners then fought running battles with police, facing rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades.
The workers put down their tools on September 12, demanding increased salaries.
The strike is considered illegal in South Africa as it has been taken without the authorisation of trade union officials, who are negotiating directly with mine management.
Labour unrest has surged in the country in recent months, hitting platinum and gold output and drawing criticism of President Jacob Zuma's handling of the crippling industrial disputes.
Thousands of workers at the Anglo American Platinum mine in Rustenburg defied an ultimatum to return to work on Tuesday.
Striking miners then fought running battles with police, facing rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades.
The workers put down their tools on September 12, demanding increased salaries.
The strike is considered illegal in South Africa as it has been taken without the authorisation of trade union officials, who are negotiating directly with mine management.
Labour unrest has surged in the country in recent months, hitting platinum and gold output and drawing criticism of President Jacob Zuma's handling of the crippling industrial disputes.
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