AMCU, employers to discuss wage deal

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) and  the Chamber of Mines will meet on Friday to discuss implementation of the wage deal negotiated in the gold sector, the Chamber said.

   

"Similar meetings will be held with the other unions," spokeswoman Charmane Russell said.  

 

On Tuesday, the Chamber of Mines, representing gold producers, signed a wage agreement with Solidarity, Uasa, and the National Union of Mineworkers.

   

In terms of the agreement, category four and five employees and rock drill operators will receive an eight percent increase and other employees a 7.5 percent increase from July 1.

   

In July 2014, employees will receive a consumer price index-linked increase.

   

The current monthly living out allowance of R1640 will increase to R2000 in two R180 steps, from September 1, 2013, and again in 2014.

   

Amcu could not be reached for comment on Friday morning, but on Tuesday treasurer Jimmy Gama said the union would serve a strike notice, if Friday's talks deadlocked. 

   

Russell previously explained that an agreement signed by majority unions was passed on to minority unions and non-unionised workers. 

   

On Friday she emphasised that there would be no further wage negotiations, and Friday's meeting was to discuss details of the agreement and its implications for all employees. 

   

Amcu members had rejected the eight percent wage increase at their central mass meeting in Carletonville and voted to strike.   

 

Amcu was demanding R12,500 for entry level workers but companies said they could not afford big pay rises. 

   

The Chamber of Mines represents AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Rand Uranium, Harmony Gold, Evander Gold, Sibanye Gold, and Village 

Main Reef.

   

-Sapa