Johannesburg - Wage talks with the world's largest diamond producer De Beers will get under way on Wednesday, the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) said.
It would be held with a facilitator from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said in a statement.
The diamond giant has offered a 5% wage increase but the union wants 10% more.
"The Num remains optimistic for a peaceful resolution," he said.
"We hope that De Beers will understand that we really mean business when we argue for 15%."
Seshoka said it was not their intention to strike but if "pushed", it would resort to that.
De Beers industrial relations head Wayne Smerdon was not immediately available for comment.
It would be held with a facilitator from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said in a statement.
The diamond giant has offered a 5% wage increase but the union wants 10% more.
"The Num remains optimistic for a peaceful resolution," he said.
"We hope that De Beers will understand that we really mean business when we argue for 15%."
Seshoka said it was not their intention to strike but if "pushed", it would resort to that.
De Beers industrial relations head Wayne Smerdon was not immediately available for comment.