The Chamber of Mines has, over several months, held discussions with representative unions – the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Solidarity and UASA on the future structure and form of wage negotiations in the coal sector. The coal companies, namely Anglo American Coal, Msobo Coal, Delmas Coal, Exarro Coal Mpumalanga, Kangra Coal, Koornfontein Mines and Glencore Operations SA, had previously indicated their intention to negotiate wages and terms and conditions of employment on a decentralised basis with effect from 2017.

The parties met again on 31 January 2017 and regrettably could not reach agreement. The unions declared a dispute and the Chamber is awaiting formal notice of this dispute. The Chamber remains open to further engagements with the unions on the matter.

As a member-representative organisation, the Chamber of Mines has engaged with the unions on the basis of its members’ interests and mandates, and has done so with a view to reaching a mutually agreeable outcome, based on a relationship founded on mutual respect. The Chamber will continue to act on this basis.

Issued by Chamber of Mines