[miningmx.com] – Graham Briggs, CEO of Harmony Gold, said the South African gold industry wanted to “start a conversation” with unions that would lead to a sustainable sector “for decades to come”.
He was commenting on behalf of AngloGold Ashanti, Evander Gold Mines, Harmony, Sibanye Gold and Village Main Reef regarding wage talks that started today through the Chamber of Mines’ central bargaining unit. Talks are with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, the National Union of Mineworkers, Solidarity and Uasa.
The talks were scheduled for three days and would be followed by a second three-day session starting June 29. “As leaders we need to place the viability and sustainability of our industry and the jobs it provides at the centre of our discussions,” said Briggs.
The current wage agreement expires at the end of June, and a new agreement would be effective from 1 July 2015.
Some 150 employer and employee representatives were expected to participate in the talks. Around 94,000 workers would be represented by unions in three bargaining units covering category 4 to 8 employees, miners, artisans, and officials.
“I am confident that the parties can find common ground in the interests of sustaining our industry and preserving jobs,’ said Elize Strydom, lead negotiator for the Chamber of Mines.
