Chamber of Mines gold mines offers 5% at the opening of wage negotiations
Today the Chamber of Mines of South Africa tabled a 5% wage improvement offer to the National Union of Mineworkers, Solidarity and UASA at the start of the 2009 wage negotiations for the gold mining industry.
The offer was in addition to a number of other offers on some of the demands tabled by the trade unions. The Chamber of Mines indicated that further movement on wages was conditional on a reconsideration of other matters that have significant cost implications.
Dr Elize Strydom, who negotiates for the Gold Mining companies, said: “The Chamber made constructive proposals on a number of issues. Negotiations started on a positive note, and the parties are committed to continuing the discussions in a spirit of openness and cooperation”. She added that it was important that the parties need to find a balance between the needs of the industry to function optimally and sustainably into the future and the needs of employees.
The next round of wage negotiations will take place on 3 June 2009.
For any enquiries related to this media statement please contact:
Jabu Maphalala
Deputy Communications Adviser
Chamber of Mines of South Africa
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