/ 2 September 2009

Some NUM branches accept Implats wage offer

Some branches of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) have accepted a wage offer by Impala Platinum, the company said on Wednesday.

These employees had already returned to work, the company added in a statement.

Implats said it wished to place on record the details of the current wage offer to the NUM.

A B and C level workers received a 10% increase, while the new minimum wage offer for the A3 underground workers was R5 000 and for the A3 surface workers R4 573.

Turning to medical subsidies, Implats said that the principal member would receive an increase from R265 to R300, the first dependent would receive an increase from R165 to R200, while other dependants would receive an increase from R110 to R120.

Implats added that a task team would be created to investigate transport issues and form proposals.

According to the company, a task team would also be established to investigate alternative funding models to make home ownership more accessible.

It said employees had been asked to note that the ”no work no pay” principle would be applied during the entire strike period.

Furthermore, disciplinary action would be taken against individuals guilty of intimidation, violence and property damage.

Implats added that the Recognition Agreement regarding Essential Services remained in place and employees in this area were urged to comply with the agreement.

”The company reserves the right to ‘lock-out’ employees during this period,” it added.

The company said it believed that in light of the current economic situation, other recent settlements, and the decline in consumer inflation to 6,7%, that the offer was a ”fair and reasonable” one.

”Furthermore, D and E level employees have accepted a 0% increase in an effort to contain costs and preserve jobs,” the company added.

About 20 000 workers began striking over wages at Impala Platinum’s Rustenburg mine nine days ago.

The strike at its Marula operations began on Thursday night. — Sapa