Union warns gold industry on wage negotiations

THE Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) has warned that the gold industry could be brought to its knees if a solution is not reached during the upcoming wage negotiations.

The union this week extended its R12 500 minimum wage a month to gold producers including Harmony Gold, Sibanye Stillwater and AngloGold Ashanti, charging that this was a living wage.

Amcu president Joseph Mathunjwa said the union also wanted an increase in benefits, including severance pay to transport costs, longer maternity leave and a five-day work week instead of the shift system.

Harmony Gold spokesperson Sihle Maake said the company was collaborating with other gold mining companies.

AngloGold Ashanti spokesperson Chris Nthite said: “The negotiations will get under way. We will respond in due course with our own offer. There will be intense negotiations.”