Unions declare dispute in the 2009 gold sector wage negotiations with the Chamber of Mines

Today the parties involved in the Gold wage negotiations agreed to invoke the dispute resolutions mechanisms of the CCMA in order to make progress. The dispute was declared against the background of the parties having reached agreement on some demands including those regarding skills development, Employee Share Ownership Plans and protective clothing for women working underground.

The companies, with the exception of Harmony, made a wage increase offer of 7%. Harmony indicated to the unions that it would like to explore a further wage offer on a bilateral basis.

Dr Elize Strydom, who negotiates on behalf of Gold mining companies, said there are some issues that could be better dealt with in a facilitated process.
 
She said the companies remained committed to finding solutions and a real balance between the needs of the employees and of the companies.
 
Further discussions will take place under the auspices of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

For any enquiries related to this media statement please contact:

Jabu Maphalala
Deputy Communications Adviser
Chamber of Mines of South Africa