Thousands of coal mineworkers return to work
Thousands of striking coal mine workers are expected to return to work on Wednesday after a two-year wage increase agreement was signed by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and coal producers.
NUM’s 30 000 members embarked on a wage strike last week following the issuing of non-resolution certificate by the Commission of Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
The union demanded a R1000 increase for lower level category workers, while the coal producers such as Anglo Coal, Glencore and Exxaro Coal, offered a wage increase of between R300 and R600.
This week Employer body, Chamber of Mines tabled a revised offer, which the union agreed to on Tuesday.
The agreement would see most workers in category 4 to 8 receive increases, staggered over a period of time, of between R750 and R1,000 per month in year 1 and guaranteed increases of 7.5 percent in the second year.
Employees in the higher categories would receive increases of between 5.0 percent and 7.5 percent in both years.
Increases on living out allowance and housing allowance would vary from company to company, the chamber said. - ANA
(File photo: Gallo Images)