FRIDAY, 11.30AM
DE BEERS and the National Union of Mineworkers have signed a historic two-year wage deal, the mining industry’s first, giving workers a 9,7% increase this year, and an inflation-linked rise next year.
After earlier deadlock between the parties, the agreement was facilitated by Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration senior commissioner Attie van der Merwe. A key aspect of the deal is NUM’s undertaking to complete a formal agreement this year to implement a merit award system, which was a previous stumbling block to the agreement.
It was agreed that financial rewards under the merit system will be determined by the company and that workers not performing to expected standards will be given retraining.
De Beers has agreed to a key NUM demand to drop the lowest job category, A1, which will ensure a R1 639 minimum monthly wage.
Meanwhile, the NUM said on Thursday that wage negotiations for the coal and gold mining industries with the Chamber of Mines are dragging on. After numerous meetings, the parties have agreed to split the gold and coal talks.