South African mineworkers at Anglo Platinum are demanding a 15 per cent pay rise from the world's largest producer of the precious metal, it emerged on Wednesday (10th June).

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) confirmed that its members rejected Anglo's offer of six per cent and are holding out for a deal higher than the 8.4 per cent inflation rate.

A statement from the union revealed that it has asked for the minimum wage for surface and underground workers to be raised to R4,200 ($522) and R4,500 respectively.

"Anglo Platinum responded by moving the minimum wages for underground workers to R4,400 and R4,000 for surface workers," NUM said.

In addition, the miners are looking for maternity leave to be extended to six months with pay and that Anglo discontinues its use of labour brokers.

The union, which represents about 31,000 workers at the company, will now have to wait until 25th and 26th June for the next round of negotiations.

"We appreciate the small moves that Anglo Platinum made and look forward to further moves," said Oupa Komane, NUM Deputy General Secretary.

Wage talks are viewed with interest by the platinum industry as production could be compromised if communications break down and a miner strike ensues.

On Tuesday, the NUM asked Impala Platinum, the world's second-largest platinum producer, to increase its workers' pay by 20 per cent.

Source:

SAfrica miners demand 15 pct wage hike from Angloplat (10/06/09)

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