Mining unions to embark on strike at Sibanye-Stillwater
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) will embark on a strike in the gold sector after wage negotiations with Sibanye-Stillwater reached a deadlock.
NUM spokesperson Livhuwani Mmamburu says their members rejected a R700 offer per year for three years by Sibanye-Stillwater.
"Our members are demanding R1 000 increase per year for three years, for category 4 to 8 which are lowest paid workers who are surface and underground workers including 6% increase for artisans, miners, and officials these are highest paid workers."
"79% of NUM members voted in favour of the strike, at Beatrix mines only 18% voted in favour and 31% of the United Association of South Africa (UASA) voted against it."
AMCU treasurer-general Jimmy Gama has urged Sibanye to review its offer to avoid the strike.
"We can confirm that we have held the mass meetings on Tuesday whereby our members in all Sibanye gold operations voted in favour of embarking in protected industrial action. Our members rejected offers made by the company.
"We urge the employer to come on board, we believe there is a room for improvement and reach a settlement. After meeting on Thursday then we will agree on the date in which we will serve the employer with a 48-hour notice to strike." said Gama.
The parties failed to find each other at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
Sibanye gold operations include the Driefontein, Kloof, Cook, and Beatrix mines.
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