Impala Platinum workers have rejected the latest wage increase offer from the company, Reuters reports today (26th August).

The world's second-largest platinum producer offered employees a ten per cent pay rise on Sunday as part of a one-year agreement in an attempt to ward off industrial action.

However, a strike has now commenced and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) confirmed that Impala's latest proposals have been flatly rejected by its members.

"They have rejected the offer. They want the wage deal to include transport and housing allowances, and they also want a pay rise of 13 per cent," NUM spokesman Lesiba Seshoka told the news provider.

Impala is now facing the possibility of up to 20,000 workers striking, with its Rustenburg platinum mine in South Africa appearing to be the worst-affected facility.

The NUM is scheduled to meet officials from the company on Wednesday in order to discuss the various issues preventing the employees from returning to work.

Source:

S.Africa union members reject Implats wage offer (26/08/09)

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