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Johannesburg - A solution to the impasse at Lonmin's Marikana mine needs to be found as soon as possible, the National Union of Mineworkers said on Sunday.
General secretary Frans Baleni said this was the Num's expectation of the wage negotiations which would start at noon on Monday before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
"Its very important that an agreement be reached that is representative of all parties," he said.
The Num was hoping to involve the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) and worker representatives, who were currently not part of the negotiations.
"We are looking at arrangements where Amcu and worker representatives will be part of the process before the CCMA," Baleni said.
Amcu could not be reached for comment on Sunday.
Num, Solidarity, Uasa and Lonmin management agreed to a peace accord early Thursday morning to level the ground for wage negotiations. The accord included a commitment to create a peaceful work environment.
On Thursday, Lonmin said the company and the unions had agreed to invite Amcu and the workers' representatives to participate in wage negotiations.
The miners are demanding a R12 500 wage increase across the board.
Solidarity general secretary Gideon du Plessis said on Sunday it important an agreement be reached and that workers return to work.
"In the first instance, the safety of the other workers and the job security of the workers is at stake. SA's reputation as a stable investment is at stake," he said.
"Peace and stability needs to be restored, and the matter concluded."
Du Plessis said differences needed to be set aside for the negotiations to succeed.
"It must be an inclusive process and we have to set our differences aside and strong leadership is required. We need to rise above our differences now."
He said the biggest challenge was for delegates representing the workers to get workers to return to work.
"The ball is in the court of the striking workers and their representatives."
