Impala Platinum has been dealt a blow after a prominent union announced that it will consult with its members about commencing industrial action.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has been in dispute with the company about a new one-year wage deal, which was supposed to come into effect on 1st July.

However, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration has now issued a certificate of non-resolution to the NUM members working for Impala.

The union has been seeking a ten per cent wage increase across the board, with further assurances relating to provident fund contributions and housing allowances.

Impala has offered an eight per cent pay rise for category A and B employees, which it believes would also cover the provident fund and housing grievances.

But Eddie Majadibodu, the NUM negotiator for the world's second-largest platinum producer, revealed that the union does not share this assessment.

"We may not be married to the percentage increment, but on [the] harmonisation of provident funds and the housing allowances, we are immovable property," he told Mining Weekly.

Impala spokesman Bob Gilmour announced that his company would not be commenting on the situation until the NUM members have voted on the strike action.

Wage disputes are viewed with great interest by the pgm industry in South Africa, as production invariably suffers if miners decide to down tools.

Source:

Implats may face wage strike as talks fail (26/07/10)

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