Amcu President Joseph Mathunjwa says the union will demand R17 000 a month as a living wage.

“We believe that R17 000 is a minimum amount that the worker needs as a basic salary,” Mathunjwa said.

"It is a small price for the hard work and daily risks that our members face every day of their lives.”

Mining analyst Peter Major says the amount the union is asking for is too large.

“I don’t think there is any chance to getting that number because it is too large and too huge,” Major said.

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