Workers burdened by inflation: Union

Coal producers should consider the effects of inflation during wage negotiations, trade union Solidarity said on Friday.

   

"We appeal to employers in the coal sector to recognise workers' higher inflation burden to ensure that salaries can at least keep up with the rise in their basic expenses," said general secretary Gideon du Plessis.

   

He said the annual increase in health care, fuel, and electricity costs was higher than the annual inflation rate.

   

The Chamber of Mines offered a 6.5 percent wage increase while Solidarity demanded 10 percent.

   

The next round of wage negotiations in the coal sector would take place next week, Du Plessis said.

   

-Sapa