[miningmx.com] – ATTEMPTS to reach a wage deal in South Africa’s gold sector failed today after unions rejected a repackaging of the final offer submitted on July 30, said the Chamber of Mines.
As a result, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) had declared a dispute with the chamber which is representing AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony Gold and Sibanye Gold. The dispute was referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.
Speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Mines, Elize Strydom, said: “At the outset of wage negotiations we made our intention clear to secure a wage agreement that would ensure the sustainability of the industry.
“We welcome the opportunity to continue to engage with the unions under the auspices of the CCMA in a constructive manner.’ The firm offer proposes that entry-level employees receive wage increases of between 7% and 13%.
