The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in South Africa is demanding a wage increase of 15 per cent from Impala Platinum.

According to the NUM, it will demand the wage increase when it begins negotiations with Impala Platinum next month and the mining company has confirmed to Mining Weekly receipt of the wage demand from the NUM.

The wage demand is in line with the 15 per cent increase the NUM called for in respect of workers at Anglo Platinum's South African operations.

However, Anglo Platinum's response was an offer of five per cent, which was described by the NUM as a "disgrace".

The difficulties at Anglo Platinum could well be replicated at Impala Platinum when the company begins negotiations with the NUM on June 4th.

Sources:

NUM asks Implats for 15% wage increase, 21/05/07
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=109394

Union asks Implats for 15 pct increase, 21/05/07
http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnBAN857498.html

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