The National Union of Mineworkers (Num) has accused the Chamber of Mines of provoking workers to go on strike.

Last week, unions rejected the management’s offer of a 5% salary hike. Workers are demanding up to 100% depending on seniority.
Employers say their proposed wage increase is based on the declining gold price, spiralling costs and falling productivity.

“We remain concerned about the existing a dispute, especially, in the Chamber of Mine’s gold sector in particular,” says Num’s Frans Baleni.

He says that the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) will intervene but hopes that they do not end up with a strike. “We should try through the facilitated process to find an amicable solution,” he added.

On Wednesday, Num said it is also disgruntled with the fact that the “Chamber of Mines has rejected the improvement of conditions of service.”
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