The Chamber of Mines improves offers made to unions on the second round of wage negotiations

Today the gold mines negotiating in the Chamber of Mines of South Africa improved their wage increment to employees represented by the National Union of Mineworkers, Solidarity and UASA to 6%. The wage increment offered today is in addition to other offers tabled by the companies which have significant cost implications. These include an increase in the minimum lump sum medical incapacity benefit both this year and on 1 July 2010; an extra month’s paid maternity leave for pregnant underground workers for whom no suitable surface work can be found, and also an increased meal allowance. “We are committed to finding solutions and a real balance between the needs of the employees and of the companies. We have, therefore, also proposed to the unions that we set up task teams to deal with appropriate entry level remuneration for underground workers, and also mechanisms to promote home ownership. Further offers on wage increases could follow if we can make constructive progress on the other offers the companies have made” said Dr Elize Strydom who negotiates on behalf of Gold Mining companies. The next round of negotiations will take place on 11 June 2009.

For any enquiries related to this media statement please contact:

Jabu Maphalala
Deputy Communications Adviser
Chamber of Mines of South Africa