The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has announced that it has rejected the latest offer from Impala Platinum over wages.

Impala Platinum made an improved offer on Wednesday of wage increases of 7.5 to 9 per cent, up from the initial offer of 6.5 to 7 per cent.

However, that remained well off the NUM's original demands of double-digit increases in the region of 15 per cent. Despite cutting its demands to 13 per cent, the difference between the two sides remains considerable.

Eddie Majadibodu, a negotiator with the NUM, told Reuters that Impala Platinum had described Wednesday's package as its "final offer".

A dispute was first declared by the union on June 14th and although the union has since returned to the negotiating table, it seems likely that the negotiations will have to be looked at with mediators. This step is required by South African law before a strike can be called.

Source:

S.African union says rejects Implats wage offer, 27/06/07
Reuters

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