Thousands of coal mine workers have been on strike for just over a week.

“The producers have made a number of concessions during the course of wage negotiations. The offer on the table is significant and at the limit of what is affordable. We urge the NUM to seriously consider the impact of unrealistic wage increases and prolonged strike action on the industry and its ability to sustain jobs,” said the Chamber’s chief negotiator Motsamai Motlhamme.

“We remain committed to resolve the dispute and to reach an agreement in the best interest of the industry and employees.”

Coal producers Anglo Coal, Delmas, Exxaro, Kangra, Koornfontein, Msobo and Glencore tabled an offer in which most category 4-8 employees (lowest paid workers) could receive increases, staggered over a period of time, of between R750 and R1,000 per month in year one and guaranteed increases of 7.5% in year two.

Employees in higher categories could receive increases of between 5 and 7.5% in both years. Increases to the living out allowance and housing allowance will vary from company-to-company.

The NUM had been seeking increases of 12-13% for the lowest paid employees. NUM’s 30 000 members embarked on a wage strike on October 4, following the issuing of non-resolution certificate by the Commission of Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

ANA