Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) stands a chance of succeeding in its unusual suing of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) for damage to property, a labour lawyer says.
Amplats is demanding nearly R600-million in damages from the union, arguing that Amcu disregarded a Labour Court order that it make marshals available to monitor the union's striking members.
Members of Amcu are on a protected strike at Amplats after rejecting a three-year wage deal.
Amplats spokesman Mpumi Sithole said the decision to sue Amcu was in response to violence and the intimidation of non-striking workers.
"We would like to see an end to intimidation and vandalism. We want production to resume," she said.
Amcu president Joseph Mathunjwa said the union's leaders "have not seen the court papers as yet".
Lawyer Sandile July, who specialises in labour law, said: "A protected strike means workers cannot be dismissed, or be subjected to a disciplinary process, on the basis that they are on strike.
"The firm is within its rights to sue for damage to its property and could succeed in its claim," said July.
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