Johannesburg - A number of proposals aimed at restoring
stability in the gold mining sector were discussed at a meeting with unions on
Tuesday, the Chamber of Mines said in a statement.
Senior executive Elize Strydom said in a statement that it
was critical for all parties to work at resolving the unprotected strikes
facing the industry.
"This is important not only for the companies, the
unions and the mineworkers, but also for the economic and social well-being of
the country as a whole."
The National Union of Mineworkers, Solidarity and the United
Association of SA met the Chamber and reiterated their commitment to the
collective bargaining processes and existing collective agreements.
The Chamber endorsed a proposal previously made by the
Congress of SA Trade Unions, that a commission of inquiry be appointed to probe
the living and working conditions in the gold mining industry.
Speaking for AngloGold Ashanti [JSE:ANG], Gold Fields [JSE:GFI] and Harmony Gold Mining Company [JSE:HAR], the
Chamber proposed doing away with category three, so that entry level in the
gold mining industry became category four. As such, the entry level rate would
be increased.
A new category would be created for locomotive, loader,
winch and water jet operators, which would improve salaries.
Other employees would also have their pay adjusted to
preserve the integrity of the present job grading framework.
An allowance for rock drill operators was also proposed.
The meeting also recommitted to finalising their discussions
on better use of mining assets and improved productivity by March next year.
On Wednesday, the unions would present the Chamber's
proposals to their members.
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