Johannesburg – Gold Fields
[JSE:GFI] said on Thursday it would continue to consult with the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) and other smaller unions on the proposed new operating model at the company’s South Deep mine after a deal between the parties could not be reached.
The new model if implemented would improve productivity and performance at the mine in line with international best practice‚ to the benefit of all stakeholders‚ the gold producer said.
Agreement was reached with the other union at the mine‚ Uasa.
The Num represents a total of 74% of employees at South Deep.
Peter Turner‚ executive vice-president for the Gold Fields South African region‚ said: “We believe this operating model is in the best interests of the vast majority of employees.
"South Deep is in a growth phase and with these changes we can create an additional 1 500 jobs when the mine is in full production.”
Six changes the company said would benefit employees are:
- Changing the shift arrangements to allow for 3.5 hours more face time a day to achieve improved production results and provide employees with 43 more days off a year.
- Introducing a new total rewards system‚ with incentives for employees who meet and exceed their targets safely.
- Adjusting the grading system to bring it into line with the rest of the mining industry.
- Achieving greater mining flexibility through selective outsourcing arrangements.
- Providing for improved maintenance through working arrangements with original equipment manufacturers.
- Aligning policies and procedures to Gold Fields and industry best practice.
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