The country’s four mining trade unions The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), Solidarity and UASA, have joined forces to fight Sibanye Gold management’s steadfast refusal to give in to their wage demands.
The unions are demanding a R1 500 salary increase, but management is only offering R520.
The matter will now go to the the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for mediation. If the parties fail to reach an agreement, the unions will be issued with a strike certificate.
Acting General Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers William Mabapa says,“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.”
VIDEO: Unions join forces to fight Sibanye Gold
