Johannesburg - Talks to end the strike in the coal sector are set to continue on Tuesday morning with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) expected to inform the Chamber of Mines of its striking members’ response to the chamber’s latest wage offer.
The chamber, which represents Anglo Coal, Delmas, Kangra, Koornfontein, Msobo and Glencore [JSE:GLN], said most lower level employees (category 4 to 8) could receive increases staggered over a period of time of between R750 and R1 000 per month in year one and guaranteed increases of 7.5% in year two.
Most employees in the higher categories could receive increases of between 5.0% and 7.5% in both years. Increases to the living out allowance and housing allowance will vary from company to company, the chamber said.
In the latest offer most employees in the higher categories will receive increases of between 5% and 7.5%, the chamber said.
The chamber's head of employment relations Motsamai Motlhamme said: “The producers have made a number of concessions during the course of wage negotiations. The offer on the table is significant and at the limit of what is affordable.
"We urge the NUM to seriously consider the impact of unrealistic wage increases and prolonged strike action on the industry and its ability to sustain jobs. We remain committed to seek resolution to the dispute and to reach an agreement in the best interests of the industry and employees.”
Chamber spokesperson Charmane Russel on Tuesday confirmed that the parties would meet again in the morning and said the chamber is expecting feedback on its offer.