The country’s four mining trade unions, National Union of Mineworkers, Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, Solidarity, and United Association of South Africa have joined forces to fight Sibanye Gold management’s steadfast refusal to give in to their wage demands.
The unions are jointly demanding an increase of R1 500 a month. But management will have none of it, it is only offering R520.
The matter now goes to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration for mediation over 30 days.
If no agreement is reached, the unions will be issued a strike certificate.
“We have learned as labour that we are not enemies of each other, our enemy is the employer. In essence, our interest is to get good offers and benefits from the employer, not from each other,” says Acting General Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers William Mabapa.
