Bloomberg, Mkhululi Mancotywa
Gold mining companies offered to raise pay by 5%, up from a previous offer of 4%, Lesiba Seshoka, a spokesman for the Johannesburg-based union, said today by telephone. Members refused the proposal and are preparing for a walkout, he said.
The NUM and the United Association of South Africa are seeking wage increases of 14%, while the Solidarity union is seeking 12%. Gold prices have surged 37% since the start of last year, spurring unions to demand wage increases in excess of the inflation rate. Consumer prices rose an annual 4.6% in May, according to the nation's statistics office.
The companies will continue pay talks with unions on July 13, the Chamber of Mines said in an e-mailed statement.
"Clearly this matter will not be resolved," Seshoka said. "We will meet the Chamber of Mines next week to inform them of our intentions to strike."
Gold mining companies offered to raise pay by 5%, up from a previous offer of 4%, Lesiba Seshoka, a spokesman for the Johannesburg-based union, said today by telephone. Members refused the proposal and are preparing for a walkout, he said.
The NUM and the United Association of South Africa are seeking wage increases of 14%, while the Solidarity union is seeking 12%. Gold prices have surged 37% since the start of last year, spurring unions to demand wage increases in excess of the inflation rate. Consumer prices rose an annual 4.6% in May, according to the nation's statistics office.
The companies will continue pay talks with unions on July 13, the Chamber of Mines said in an e-mailed statement.
"Clearly this matter will not be resolved," Seshoka said. "We will meet the Chamber of Mines next week to inform them of our intentions to strike."
