Johannesburg - The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said the union is sticking to its 20-percent wage increase demand with Anglo Platinum.
This comes after the union reached a wage deadlock with the platinum producer. The NUM demanded a 14.5-percent wage increase, however General Secretary David Sipunzi on Monday said the union is asking for a 20-percent wage increase.
“In the platinum belt we are unfortunately a minority. However, that does not mean we do not have members there. We have submitted our demands just like every other union has.
Sipunzi, during a media briefing, said the union cannot continue demanding R12 500 for its workers.
The union said wage negotiators cannot ask for the same wages for years.
“We are demanding at least 20 percent. We know that negotiations are in the process, but we cannot be demanding R12 500 for 10 years now.”
Meanwhile, Anglo Platinum has tabled a 6.75 percent wage increase.
The union had said that such an increase offered by Amplats was an insult.
“The NUM views the offer by Anglo Platinum as an insult to thousands of helpless employees, and the union has also observed the attitude by the company refusing to close the apartheid wage gap,” said Sipunzi.
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LABOUR BUREAU