NUM: Wage battle with mines looming

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has declared wage disputes with three major mining companies, Exxaro Coal, Sishen Iron Ore and De Beers, the union said on Thursday.

“It is going to be a big, big fight,” said Eddie Majadibodu, NUM negotiator at the three companies.

“Food prices have skyrocketed, and with fuel prices and general inflation there is just no room for peanuts increases, and for that we are prepared for war.”

The NUM and diamond giant De Beers would meet at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on July 21 for talks.

NUM spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said if these talks failed the union would prepare itself for industrial action.

“The NUM demands an increment of 13,5 % while the company [De Beers] offers 11% on a two-year agreement.”

At Exxaro Coal, NUM demanded a minimum wage of R4 000 and an increment of 17% for levels P8, 7 and 6, and a 15% increase for level P5, 4 and 3.

Seshoka said that since Exxaro refused an equalisation process for the companies operating inside and outside the Chamber of Mines, the union declared a dispute at the CCMA.

Spokesperson for Exxaro Trevor Arran acknowledged that the company could not find a “common way” on minimum wages and that the matter would be before the CCMA.

He said the company had not been informed of a date yet.

Seshoka said the Sishen Iron Ore Company was also facing a dispute at the CCMA.

He said the union was preparing itself for strikes should the CCMA award it certificates of non-resolution of the disputes.—Sapa