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Johannesburg - Gold producers and labour met in Johannesburg on Monday to discuss the 2013 wage negotiations, the Chamber of Mines said.
"The purpose of today's engagement was to set the scene in respect of the prevailing economic circumstances of employers and employees in the gold mining industry and to develop a protocol that will guide the 2013 negotiations," representative for the gold producers, Charmane Russel, said.
The protocol was expected to be finalised on Thursday. The unions would then table and motivate their demands.
Last month, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) submitted its demands for the gold sector. It wanted a R7 500 wage increase, in addition to current basic rates, for B-level employees, and a R7 000 hike for those on C-level.
It was asking for a R7 500 increase for employees in categories five to nine, and R7 000 for categories 10 to 15.
The National Union of Mineworkers wanted surface workers to get a minimum of R7 000 a month, and underground and open-cast workers R8 000 a month. It asked for a 15% increase for all other categories.
According to an agreement brokered by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe last week, employers made a commitment to follow proper labour relations procedures. Unions pledged to adhere to legal procedure for marches and protest action.
Amcu did not sign the agreement.
