Workers at the Sasol coal mine in Secunda, represented by the trade union Solidarity, continued their strike on Thursday in protest at management’s proposed salary increases.
Solidarity spokesperson Dirk Hermann said workers had rejected management’s proposed 9% wage increase because they were seeking an increase in line with the rest of the industry. The strike began on Wednesday.
”The Chamber of Mines said increases should be between 9,5 and 10% in the gold mining industry and the coal mining industry has offered 9,5% but they’re not even finished with negotiations yet.
”The workers are demanding 10% — down from a previous 12% — especially in light of the excellent performance of Sasol over the past year,” Hermann said.
About 800 protesters were picketing outside the mine and would continue to do so until lunchtime. Hermann said he foresaw the strike continuing on Friday but called on management to resolve the matter speedily.
Sasol spokesperson Johann van Rheede said the company could not comment at this point. – Sapa