NUM signs wage agreement with Kumba

Johannesburg - The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has signed a three-year wage deal with Kumba Iron Ore [JSE:KIO] which includes an increase of 18% for the lowest paid worker, the union said on Thursday.

"This 18% includes wages and benefits, like shift and housing allowances," said NUM negotiator Lucas Phiri.

"The percent will stay the same in the second year, and in the third year it will drop to 8% and 9%."

The deal would be effective from July 1.

In the first year of the agreement, the lowest basic salary would increase from R5 795 to R6 833, the housing allowance from R1 356 to R1 900, the monthly production bonus from R1 274 to R1 503, and the shift allowance from R546 to R709.

Phiri said the lowest paid worker's 18% will include 0.5% for pension.

"The NUM is on track to achieve a massive reduction in inequality of pay of workers, with the lowest paid benefiting the most," the union said.

The agreement also outlined the phasing out of the entry level in Kumba and moving all employees to the next level, effective July 1.

Pay talks between the union and Kumba began in June.