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Johannesburg - The Association of Mining and Construction Union (Amcu) has thrown another spanner in the works at the Chamber of Mines’ wage talks for the gold industry – by not joining in the dispute declared by the three other unions, reported City Press.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Solidarity, and Uasa declared a dispute after talks with the chamber deadlocked on Wednesday, after which the matter was referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
The chamber dismissed threats of a strike in the gold sector, describing them as premature.
Amcu claimed on Friday that the other three unions are running prematurely to the CCMA.
This will result in two parallel wage talks for the Chamber of Mines, as it said on Friday that two CCMA mediators would assist the various parties in the disputed gold sector wage talks.
Traditionally the chamber concluded one single wage agreement for the entire gold workforce.
Elize Strydom, negotiating on behalf of gold producers, said the dispute declaration signalled the start of a structured, orderly mediation process.
But if the parallel talks continue indefinitely, it could have serious implications for an ultimate settlement.
Amcu said in a statement it would continue engaging with the chamber in an attempt to achieve a mandate among its members.
“We have noted and we respect the pulling out of other unions that are party to the bargaining process," Amcu said.
“We have not exhausted our mandate and we would therefore not pull out as a PR exercise.”
The chamber raised its initial offer on Monday from 4% to 5% on top of basic wages, as well as 5% on the R1 640 living-out allowance.
Entry-level basic wages are around R5 000 per month. This excludes certain allowances and bonuses.
Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant has called on unions and producers to put the interests of the economy and the country first.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Solidarity, and Uasa declared a dispute after talks with the chamber deadlocked on Wednesday, after which the matter was referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
The chamber dismissed threats of a strike in the gold sector, describing them as premature.
Amcu claimed on Friday that the other three unions are running prematurely to the CCMA.
This will result in two parallel wage talks for the Chamber of Mines, as it said on Friday that two CCMA mediators would assist the various parties in the disputed gold sector wage talks.
Traditionally the chamber concluded one single wage agreement for the entire gold workforce.
Elize Strydom, negotiating on behalf of gold producers, said the dispute declaration signalled the start of a structured, orderly mediation process.
But if the parallel talks continue indefinitely, it could have serious implications for an ultimate settlement.
Amcu said in a statement it would continue engaging with the chamber in an attempt to achieve a mandate among its members.
“We have noted and we respect the pulling out of other unions that are party to the bargaining process," Amcu said.
“We have not exhausted our mandate and we would therefore not pull out as a PR exercise.”
The chamber raised its initial offer on Monday from 4% to 5% on top of basic wages, as well as 5% on the R1 640 living-out allowance.
Entry-level basic wages are around R5 000 per month. This excludes certain allowances and bonuses.
Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant has called on unions and producers to put the interests of the economy and the country first.
