Trade union Solidarity today said that it was disappointed by the final offer in the gold sector tabled by the Chamber of Mines today. The offer which entails a wage increase of between 4,6% and 6% for skilled workers, is lower than the mandate for settlement that Solidarity had obtained from its members. However, Solidarity is satisfied with the concessions regarding the retirement age for both surface and underground workers.

 

According to Solidarity General Secretary Gideon du Plessis, the trade union will present the final offer to its members for consideration. “If the offer is rejected, the alternative would be to strike. However, the advantages for members of a strike will have to be weighed against its impact on the sustainability of the mining industry,” Du Plessis said.

 

According to Du Plessis, the offer of a R1 000 increase in the wages of entry-level workers is a favourable offer, especially for NUM and Amcu members. “Our colleagues at NUM and Amcu will also need to think carefully whether a strike would benefit their members in the long run in this sector which is currently fighting for survival,” Du Plessis explained.

 

“If no strikes take place in the gold sector, this sector will be able to return to normal and it will be able to focus on the optimisation of production in this sector,” Du Plessis said. Du Plessis also explained that workers will be able to supplement their income through production bonuses and profit sharing which are already in place at certain mines.

 

The Chamber of Mines gave the unions the opportunity to provide feedback on the final wage offer. Solidarity will provide its feedback by 7 August.

 

Issued by Solidarity