The Solidarity trade union today signed a favourable wage agreement on behalf of its members with Kumba’s Sishen Iron Ore (SIO) mine. Solidarity negotiated on behalf of its members in the bargaining council for miners, artisans and officials. The agreement stipulates that for the next three years, workers in this bargaining council will annually receive an 8,5% increase on their basic salaries.
 
According to Deon Reyneke, Head of Mining at Solidarity, this agreement is even more favourable than Solidarity’s mandate from its members. “The agreement constitutes the outcome of successful negotiations and is undoubtedly the best we could do for our members. The agreed increase is 0,5% more than the mandate of 8% we received from our members,” Reyneke explained.
 
Solidarity’s agreement with SIO is valid for three years and was also signed by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
 
The provisions of the agreement also include adjustments in the following:
 
·                     Housing allowance

·                     Employee contribution to pension fund

·                     Overtime for standby call-outs

·                     Family and sick leave

 
The agreement will be backdated and apply from 1 July 2014.