Mining Weekly reports that precious metals producer Sibanye-Stillwater says it and labour unions were again unable to reach an agreement on wage increases for employees at Sibanye's SA gold operations.
Sibanye's management and four unions, namely the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, the National Union of Mineworkers, Solidarity and Uasa met again on Wednesday to discuss the latest offer made by Sibanye on 18 November. Sibanye’s Richard Cox commented: “It is disappointing that, while the company has increased its offer five times, the unions have not moved significantly from their initial demands. These demands are not sustainable and we will not be intimidated into acceding to above inflation demands that will compromise the sustainability of our gold operations and therefore all our stakeholders.” Sibanye pointed out that, given that the offer was not accepted, the company had reverted back to the offer tabled on 19 October, which proposed wage increases of R520, R610 and R640 in years one, two and three of a three-year deal for category four to eight employees. The 19 October offer also set out proposed increases of 4.1%, 4.7% and 4.7% in years one, two and three, respectively, for miners, artisans and officials. Because the parties could not reach an agreement, a certificate of non-resolution of the dispute was requested. The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is required to establish picketing rules before the certificate of non-resolution can be issued and the conciliation process has been extended by another two weeks to allow for the finalisation of picketing rules. The parties will reconvene on 13 December for a final engagement session when a certificate of non-resolution will be issued.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Mining Weekly
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