The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Thursday announced that it had declared a dispute at the Modikwa Platinum mine, near Burgersfort in Mpumalanga, and said the matter has been referred to the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration.
The dispute follows a series of wage negotiation meetings held since early February.
Modikwa Platinum is a joint venture between Anglo American Platinum and Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Minerals.
NUM is demanding an 11% wage increase compared to management’s offer of 4%.
The union also wants a comprehensive healthcare system that will enable freedom of choice, the inclusion of family members and the removal of unnecessary costs.
A housing allowance of R900 is also part of the union’s demands compared to management’s offer of R190. Currently workers receive a housing allowance of R150.
NUM wants fully paid annual leave, with consideration to add more days for annual leave instead of the present 21 days. – I-Net Bridge