The National Union of Mineworkers and Northam Platinum Mines have signed an annual wage agreement for 2003.

NUM deputy general secretary Archie Palane said the settlement would improve all workers' wages by 12 or 13 per cent.

Beyond the wage increase, a grading process will be concluded by both parties by June next year.

'The main objective is to ensure that workers are graded accordingly as we believe that many jobs have changed in terms of scope and mechanisation. The workers deserve to be compensated accordingly', said Mr Palane.

Mr Palane also gave his opinion of Implats' final offer of a 9.5 per cent increase in wages for 2003 and a new minimum wage of R300,000 for underground workers next year:

'We believe that the offer is reasonable as it is geared towards improving the lives of our members and communities', he said.

'Negotiations will proceed in Rustenberg, South Africa on Friday to address any areas that our members may feel need further negotiations.'