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Reuters reports that the world’s top three platinum producers face tough wage talks this week with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) demanding pay rises of more than 50% , while the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is seeking 20%.
The demands are well above inflation at 6.1% in a struggling economy. A strike in 2014 by Amcu hit Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), Impala Platinum (Implats) and Lonmin, forcing them to cut jobs, shed mines and in some cases make cash calls to investors. On Thursday, Amcu, which represents the majority of platinum workers, stuck to its battle cry of demanding a “living wage” of R2,500 per month for the lowest-paid workers, which amounts to a 56% raise. “We remain committed to negotiating in good faith whilst remaining aware of the economic realities” facing the industry, Lonmin spokeswoman Sue Vey said. “We have ensured that shop stewards have been appropriately trained and have a good understanding of our business and the challenging environment in which we operate,” Implats spokeswoman Alice Lourens said. Amplats declined to comment.
- Read this report by Zandi Shabalala in full at Moneyweb
- Read too, Amcu vs platinum wage talks, round two, at City Press
- And also, Amcu demands 47% wage increase from platinum producers, at Business Report
- As well as, Amcu stands firm on R12 500 minimum wage, at Fin24
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page