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Johannesburg - Impala Platinum (Implats) [JSE:IMP] said on Thursday that the wage offer to striking miners amounts to R1 000 a month increase every year for the next five years.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) has taken a "massive step forward" by taking the offer to members, Implats spokesperson Johan Theron told broadcaster SAfm.
A mining source confirmed to AFP the deal included a R1 000 raise in
monthly salary for the lowest-paid worker each year over "anything from
three to five years".
If agreed, the deal would be backdated from last October up to the start of the strikes in January.
The
funds would be paid within seven days, Lonmin spokesperson Sue Vey told
AFP. "It is important that people get money in the pocket," she said.
City Press reported that employers have put on the table a five-year agreement, while employees said they can only accept a three-year agreement.
The offer means that low-earning (level A and B) workers, including rock-drill operators, would get R1 000 increase in the first and second year and R950 in the third to fifth year.
Level C workers will get an 8% increase in the first and second year and 7.5% in the third to fifth year.
If the agreement is signed, a low-earning surface worker with an entry-level salary of R4 973 will have it increased to R5 973 excluding benefits and overtime allowance.
Low-level underground workers were earning an entry-level salary of R5 500 and R5 950 for panel and winch operators respectively. All workers within this bracket are going to have their salaries increased by R1 000.
Analyst Peter Leon, head of African mining and energy at law firm Webber Wentzel, told AFP: "I think this is potentially very good news and exactly the sort of breakthrough we have all been waiting for.
"It obviously now depends on whether Amcu's membership agree with the 'in principle' agreement, as well as what is in the agreement; hopefully this is a 'win win' outcome for all concerned."
The world's biggest platinum producers - Implats, Anglo American Platinum [JSE:AMS] and Lonmin [JSE:LON] - said on Thursday they had reached an agreement "in principle undertakings" with Amcu leaders.
Union leaders met with members to seek a mandate to accept offers on pay and conditions and if they succeed "it will bring to an end the 21-week long strike," Implats, Amplats and Lonmin said in a statement.
The companies said they expected a response on Friday.
- Reuters, AFP & City Press
