Impala Platinum is immersed in two major disputes over wage negotiations, South Africa's National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) revealed yesterday (17th June).

Discussions at the Two Rivers platinum mine near Steelport - which is owned jointly by Impala and African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) - have been suspended by senior officials at the site.

According to the union, the mineworkers have been told to join a new association - which will be set up by the facility's management staff - before agreeing to recommence talks.

"We condemn the attitude of Two Rivers mine management and have taken the matter to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for intervention," NUM North East Regional Secretary William Mabapa told Mining Weekly.

Although Impala and ARM officials were not available for comment, the NUM is pushing for a 20 per cent wage increase, plus a 40-hour working week, production bonus and a housing allowance increment.

In addition, the union has declared a wage dispute with Impala - the world's second-largest platinum producer - after it continued to stall on making an offer.

The NUM is seeking a rise of 20 per cent but explained that it will call in the CCMA to resolve the stand-off if negotiations between the two parties break down at a meeting on 24th June.

"We are serious about reaching consensus, but the company is unwilling to come to the negotiating table with an offer. We have no option but to declare a dispute," said Eddie Majadibodu, the NUM's negotiator at Impala.

"The company wants to be confrontational and we are thus feeding them their own medication."

Impala Head of Investor Relations Bob Gilmour responded by telling the news provider that all communication to date has been preliminary and that the main talks would not commence "for a while yet".

Wage negotiations in South Africa are viewed with great interest by the pgm industry, as production could be badly affected if discussions break down and miners go on strike.

Sources:

NUM says Two Rivers wage talks suspended, declares dispute with Implats (17/06/09)

S.Africa union declares wage dispute against Implats (17/06/09)

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