Johannesburg - Mine management would consider the demands of
a group of workers who want a second pay hike in six months, Impala Platinum
Holdings [JSE:IMP] said on Tuesday.
"Our overriding imperative in this process is to ensure
peace, order and stability. We believe that current tensions are an issue for
the entire industry," chief executive Terence Goodlace said in a
statement.
The company met the Association of Mineworkers and
Construction Union-aligned Interim Workers Committee (IWC) on Monday to discuss
its demands.
At the end of April, the company introduced a wage increase
which formed part of the settlement following a strike at the mine, which ended
at the beginning of March.
The increase was meant to come into effect in June, but was
brought forward as a goodwill gesture.
"...The IWC has now demanded that the company implement
the same increase again, for the second year of the 2011/12 wage
agreement."
This meant that the workers wanted a second pay rise in six
months.
Recent tensions in the industry had placed profit margins
under severe pressure, which had implications for everyone involved.
"We are therefore actively engaging all stakeholders at
the highest level, as a sustainable solution can only be delivered through the
collaborative efforts of all parties, at all levels," Goodlace said.
The company offered to conduct a wage review to ensure that
the IWC's concerns were considered and discussed in detail.
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