goldbarsANA reports that four trade unions on Wednesday rejected revised wage increases offers of up to 7.2% made by gold producers at the centralised collective bargaining forum for the sector.  

This was at the fourth round of wage negotiations between four unions – the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu), National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Solidarity and UASA – and gold mining companies.  The gold producers, namely AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony Gold, Sibanye-Stillwater and Village Main Reef, tabled offers for a three-year deal ranging from 6% to 7.2% for Category 4 underground employees, and 3.5% and 4.5% for miners and artisans, and officials.  Chief negotiator on behalf of the gold producers, Motsamai Motlhamme, reiterated that the industry was faced with a number of challenges, including a stagnant gold price, rising costs and falling profitability.  Negotiations are set to continue next week.


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