Chamber of Mines collieries and unions make progress in wage negotiations

The Collieries members of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa today presented offers to resolve the remaining issues to the National Union of Mineworkers, Solidarity and UASA unions in the ongoing coal mining wage negotiations. The offers addressed, among others, the high cost demands on medical aid contributions and the living out allowance.

The 2009 wage increment offered by the Collieries, except for Optimum and Siyanda, was 9.5 % for lower category employees and 8.5% for Miners, Artisans and Officials. Optimum and Siyanda collieries have offered 9%.  It has been proposed that the second year increase, effective from 1 July 2010, should be based on CPI plus 1% with a guaranteed 6% minimum increase.

 “We have today made significant progress towards settlement and we are confident that the parties will reach agreement”, said Dr Frans Barker who negotiates on behalf of the coal mining companies.

The next meeting will take place on 20 July 2009.

For any enquiries related to this media statement please contact:

Jabu Maphalala
Deputy Communications Adviser
Chamber of Mines of South Africa