Sibanye and Amcu dig in their heels over pay
A settlement with other unions at the gold operations falls short of its wage demand, defiant union says
SA’s largest domestic gold producer, Sibanye-Stillwater, faces a strike from the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) over unhappiness with a wage increase settled with other unions. Amcu said on Monday the settlement with the other unions at the gold operations fell short of its wage demand of R1,000 extra a month and it had issued Sibanye with a 48-hour strike notice, making for a protected strike.
The union, which represents 43% of the gold division’s 32,200-strong workforce, balloted its members on Sunday, securing a mandate to go on strike from Wednesday evening. Sibanye agreed with three other unions to increase wages of the lowest-paid workers by R700 a month in the first two years of the deal and R825 a month in the third year. Sibanye CEO Neal Froneman blamed Amcu’s national leadership for the breakdown in talks, saying they intervened and stuck with their opening demands in the three-year wage negotiations, which were unaffordable...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.