NUM declares wage dispute

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) declared a wage dispute with the Minerals Council of South Africa yesterday.

The dispute comes as wage negotiations in the gold sector resumed when the Minerals Council, which represents about 90% of mining houses, made a final salary increase offer to four workers’ unions.

Last week, the council was focusing on category 4 to 8 underground employees, while the tradesmen and other senior miners had received an offer of below the inflation rate, ranging from 3.5% at Sibanye-Stillwater, 4% at Village Main Reef, to 4.5% at Harmony and AngloGold Ashanti.

David Sipunzi, NUM general secretary and chief negotiator, said that the gold producers had insulted mineworkers by tabling offers ranging from R675 for category 4 to 8 surface and underground workers, and 5% for artisans, miners, and officials.

Sipunzi said NUM was extremely disappointed and angered that Sibanye Stillwater was the one that was offering the lowest in terms of wages, with increases ranging from R500 for surface and underground workers, and 4% for artisans, miners and officials.

“It is a sad day in South Africa. Gold producers have not shown any seriousness. It is time now that we stop keeping our members in suspense. We have reached a deadlock. It is the end of the road. We have declared a dispute and the dispute will be referred to the CCMA,” Sipunzi said.

NUM demands R9 450 for surface workers, R10 450 for underground workers and 14.5% for miners artisans and officials.