Following a process of consultation in all of the branches, members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said on Thursday that they had arrived at a decision to reject the offer Kumba Resources made on Wednesday.
“Members also feel that their contribution needs to be recognised and, as such, affirmed. Consequently, they opted to reject 7,75% and 8,75%,” said Eddie Majadibodu, NUM’s chief negotiator.
“The broad consensus that has emerged from the branches is that the union should put on the table a settlement offer of 8% for higher earners and 9% for the bottom end of the scale.
“This, in our view, is a good compromise, which we think will bring the strike to a halt and ensure that we return to work as soon as possible”, said Jackie Tshimanegape, NUM’s coordinator at Kumba.
The NUM said it believed that its proposed settlement offer went “a long way in trying to meet the company half way” and, at the same time, cover “the needs and aspirations of the workers”.
NUM added that it was not in its interests — and neither in Kumba’s interests — “to drag the strike unnecessarily”.
Kumba could not be reached for comment on the NUM’s rejection of its latest offer.
Kumba said earlier that it had tabled a revised wage offer, which it considered “fair and reasonable”.
It included an 8,75% wage increase for lower grades and a 7,75% across-the-board wage increase for other grades. The housing allowance was to be increased by 10% for all bargaining unit employees, Kumba said. — I-Net Bridge