Miningmx reports that following a joint statement on Friday by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the Association of Mineworkers & Construction Union (Amcu), Solidarity and UASA, Sibanye-Stillwater said it wouldn’t “accede to threats”.

The unions declared a dispute with the precious metals producer following several months of gold sector wage negotiations. The unions argued that Sibanye’s offer for entry-level miners failed to match wage agreements settled with Harmony Gold and Gold Fields. “We are extremely disappointed that Sibanye-Stillwater is pleading poverty during the current wage negotiations against the backdrop of its performance on the market, which is clear from the quarterly financial results and declared dividends,” the unions stated. They have demanded a wage increase of R1,500 for the lowest categories of employees, to which Sibanye-Stillwater has countered with an offer of increases of R450 to R500 a year over a three year period starting this year. Spokesperson James Wellsted said Sibanye was prepared to take a strike if a dispute, now with the CCMA, was not resolved. “We are in discussions with the unions,” he said when asked if Sibanye would shift from its latest wage offer. “If it goes to a strike, we have to do what’s right. We will take a strike,” Wellsted added.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by David McKay at Miningmx

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