The strike in the coal industry ended on Monday after agreement on wage increases ranging from 8%, depending on job category, the Chamber of Mines said.
“The strike in the coal mining industry has been called off after the companies and the unions were today able to find consensus on wage increases and other conditions of employment,” spokesperson Jabu Maphalala said in a statement.
The week-long strike by about 150Â 000 workers ended after the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the United Associations of South Africa (Uasa) and Solidarity signed a two-year wage agreement.
The chamber said for 2011 most companies would give 8% increases to miners, artisans and officials and 9% to operators. Minimum wages at entry level would go up between 10% and 10.5%.
For most companies, wage increases in 2012 would be 7.5% for miners, artisans and officials, and 8.5% for operators.
Provision was made for an increase of 10% to the minimum entry-level wage.
The parties also agreed to increase the employer contributions to medical aid schemes, which were available to all coal mining employees and their families.
The parties agreed to increases in living out/housing allowances.
Frans Barker, negotiator for the coal mining companies said: “All companies are satisfied with the agreement as a win-win compromise. It provides a sound basis for a constructive relationship between employers and employees going into the future.”
Striking employees at American Thermal Coal, Delmas Coal, Exxaro Coal Mpumalanga, Kangra Coal, Optimum Coal and Xstrata Coal were expected to return to work on Tuesday.
The NUM and Uasa had aimed for a 14% raise while Solidarity submitted a 12% demand. — Sapa