South African Strikes Update
South African unions and gold-mining companies have agreed a deal to settle a very long-running dispute.
NUM spokesman Lesiba Seshoka said “the deal represented a 10.8% wage increase, but did not specify which workers would be affected”.
“The worst in the gold sector is over. Members have accepted a new pay structure,” he said.
But he added that “the deal would only cover the next few months, and negotiations would resume in February”.
Marian van der Walt of Harmony Gold, was happy with the outcome of the deal.
“We’re very pleased that they signed to bring all of the uncertainty and turmoil in the market to an end,” she said.
Harmony have stated 98% of its striking workforce had now returned to work.
Another firm, Gold Fields, also welcomed the agreement.
