The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) revealed today (30th June) that it will lower its 15 per cent wage hike demands for Anglo Platinum workers - as long as the company makes other concessions.

South Africa's largest union for mineworkers confirmed that Anglo has offered to increase the monthly minimum pay for surface and underground workers to R4,000 and R4,400 respectively.

NUM Spokesman Lesiba Seshoka explained that he was pleased with the company's negotiating stance, despite the offer falling short of demands for R4,200 and R4,500.

He told Reuters: "Given the good spirit in which they are negotiating, we are prepared to do some trade-offs ... there is no reason we should remain steadfast when the company is prepared to make such a significant move."

However, Mr. Seshoka also revealed that the union will pressure the world's largest platinum producer to up its offer of a 6.5 per cent increase in its overall wage discussions.

"That is still below inflation ... they need to definitely move beyond that," he added.

The developments will be followed with interest by the South African pgm industry, as output would be impacted if talks collapse and miners decide to go on strike.

Source:

SAfrica mining union keen to bargain with Angloplat (30/06/09)

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