JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) - The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Solidarity and the United Association of South Africa (Uasa) have until 11:00 on Thursday to provide feedback to the Chamber of Mines (CoM) regarding proposals to alleviate pressure on the gold mining industry, Uasa gold sector manager Frik van Straten said.

The unions met with their members, who were engaged in wage strikes at AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields and Harmony mines, on Wednesday to present the CoM’s proposals.

Speaking on behalf of AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields and Harmony, the CoM indicated that it had, in terms of the commitment contained in the 2011 wage agreement, reviewed the working arrangements for entry levels and other job categories.

The chamber made a number of proposals to address certain “anomalies”, such as doing away with Category 3 employment so that entry level in the gold mining industry becomes Category 4.

CoM also suggested an allowance for rock drill operators, as well as a new category for locomotive, loader, winch and water jet operators, including an improvement in remuneration.

The chamber further proposed some adjustments to the pay for other employees to preserve the integrity of the current job-grading framework.

However, the proposals were only valid if all workers returned to work by Thursday’s evening shift.

Van Straten could not comment on the impact of the change in the job category of entry-level workers on salaries, but told Mining Weekly Online that “it seemed as if our members are satisfied with the proposals”.

By late Wednesday afternoon, NUM spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka and Solidarity spokesperson Gideon du Plessis indicated that they were still consulting with their members.

The CoM said employers and unions recommitted themselves to finalise discussions on the better use of the mining assets and improved productivity by March 2013 and reiterated their commitment to the collective bargaining processes and to the sanctity of existing collective agreements.

Further, the chamber confirmed its endorsement of the call made recently by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) for a commission of inquiry into the working and living conditions in the mining industry and also its willingness to participate in the process.

“It is critical that all the parties show leadership in restoring stability to the mining industry and bringing an end to the unprotected industrial action that is besetting the industry. This is important not only for the companies, the unions and the mineworkers, but also for the economic and social well-being of the country as a whole,” CoM employment relations senior executive Dr Elize Strydom said.

Last week, at a meeting between mining executives and unions at the CoM, it was announced that chief gold miners and unions in South Africa would review wages and pay grades for entry-level workers.

Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi stated that in terms of the existing wage agreement, the parties had a commitment to review the appropriate entry-level wages and job categories potential. This essentially meant regrouping of jobs.