Northam Platinum has increased its wage offer to a nine per cent increase, it has been claimed, but the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is holding out for more.

NUM national spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka told Mining Weekly that the union is not willing to back down on its demands for double-digit growth.

Platinum miners across South Africa are seeing increased pressure from mining unions to offer double-digit growth and the NUM has already declared disputes with both Impala Platinum and Anglo Platinum.

The negotiations with Northam Platinum now appear to be going in the same direction although Mr Seshoka said: "We hope that in the next round of negotiations they will further improve their offer."

Both sides have moved closer in recent weeks from their original position, with Northam Platinum now offering nine per cent while the NUM demands 15 per cent, which is five per cent lower than its original request.

Source:
Unions hold out for double digits after Northam offers 9% wage hike, 13/07/07
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=112733

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