There is the possibility of a strike at the DeBeer's mines in South Africa, one the largests on the continent. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), an affiliate of COSATU, through a work stoppage could have a tremendous impact on the world economy., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.
Mineworkers' union rejects 4% pay hike, chases 14% increase
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA Jun 20 2011 19:16
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has rejected an offer of a 4% wage increase by the Chamber of Mines, the union said on Monday.
During wage talks with the Chamber, the NUM had originally demanded an increase of 14%.
"We just hope that it marks the beginning and that it won't be too long before we get our 14%," said the NUM's secretary general Frans Baleni.
The Chamber of Mines represents major gold producers such as Goldfields, Harmony Gold and Anglogold Ashanti.
Dr Elize Strydom, negotiator for the Chamber, said the union should be mindful of the economic realities of gold mining.
She said production had declined and that the industry was facing high cost pressures such as electricity, wages, fuel, steel and other input costs.
NUM will meet the Chamber on July 5 for further negotiations.
Wage negotiations for the coal sector, which included Anglo Thermal Coal South Africa, Delmas Coal, Exxaro, Kangra Coal, Optimum Coal and Xstrata Coal, were scheduled for Tuesday. -- Sapa
Source: Mail & Guardian Online
Web Address: http://mg.co.za/article/2011-06-20-mineworkers-rejects-4-pay-hike
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