IMPALA Platinum Holdings Ltd (Implats), the world’s second-largest platinum producer, has reached a deal with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) to raise wages and improve employment conditions at its Rustenburg operations. ”The parties have agreed to an increase of 9% on the basic rate of remuneration, effective from July 1, 2000, until the end of June 2001,” Implats and the NUM said in a statement. They have also agreed to form working groups, comprising three representatives from each side, to deal with a number of outstanding issues surrounding employment conditions. ”Implats is also exploring ways to improve accommodation for its employees, and in a supplementary agreement the parties have agreed to establish a housing committee,” the statement said. The parties have also agreed to start talks over a long-term agreement on the post 2001 wage pact. – Reuters