Solidarity set to accept gold wage offer

Trade union Solidarity has indicated its intention to accept the wage offer tabled in the gold sector on July 30, gold producers said.

Rustenburg – Trade union Solidarity has indicated its intention to accept the wage offer tabled in the gold sector on July 30, South Africa’s gold producers said on Monday.

“The union has displayed an understanding of the pressures faced by the gold industry. However, the companies advise that no wage agreement has been reached with any party,” said Dr Elize Strydom, on behalf of companies.

“As indicated to the negotiating parties on various occasions, the companies have consistently made the point that the final offer was made on the basis that all four unions accepted the offer.”

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) and the National Union of Mineworkes (NUM) have rejected the offer.

“In line with the conditions to the final offer, the gold companies have withdrawn the final offer and reverted to the firm offer made on 29 June 2015. This offer would see entry-level employees receive wage increases of between 7 and 13 percent.”

Strydom said AngloGold Ashanti, Evander Gold Mines, Harmony and Sibanye Gold acknowledged Solidarity’s intention to accept the wage offer.

ANA