Cape Town - Economist Chris Hart said the wage demands set by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) will force the industry to slim down and cut staff, reported the SABC.
Amcu is shooting itself in the foot because the demands are unrealistic, he said.
"What they're actually doing is asking the industry to actually slim down and cut staff, in other words cut their own members and that seems to be counter-productive," Hart told the broadcaster.
Hart also said that protest action will be useless because the union would be striking for something that is unattainable.
Amcu demanded a 100% hike in sectoral wages on Tuesday ahead of annual wage negotiations.
It included increased housing allowances, nine months paid maternity leave for women and medical care.
Amcu said it wants to double the current pay of the lowest paid workers from R7 500 a month.
They also want entry level wages for underground workers to be upped to R12 500 from around R6 000.
Amcu is shooting itself in the foot because the demands are unrealistic, he said.
"What they're actually doing is asking the industry to actually slim down and cut staff, in other words cut their own members and that seems to be counter-productive," Hart told the broadcaster.
Hart also said that protest action will be useless because the union would be striking for something that is unattainable.
Amcu demanded a 100% hike in sectoral wages on Tuesday ahead of annual wage negotiations.
It included increased housing allowances, nine months paid maternity leave for women and medical care.
Amcu said it wants to double the current pay of the lowest paid workers from R7 500 a month.
They also want entry level wages for underground workers to be upped to R12 500 from around R6 000.