Impala Platinum workers are set to meet today (2nd September) to discuss the company's latest pay increase offer, Reuters reports.

Employees at the world's second-largest platinum producer's Rustenburg mine in South Africa went on strike last Monday, with their counterparts at Marula following suit on Friday.

Impala officials believe that some of the workers are ready to resume their duties, but production can only recommence if the entire group commit to returning to the mines.

They are demanding a wage hike of 14 per cent - more than double the country's current 6.7 per cent inflation rate - plus additional allowances for housing and transport.

However, Impala spokesman Bob Gilmour explained that their request is non-negotiable, maintaining that the company cannot improve its current offer of a ten per cent rise.

"This demand is still totally unacceptable," he told the news provider.

"A lot of guys want to go back to work, but others don't and we need everyone to be able to operate the mining system."

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has confirmed that talks between the two parties are still ongoing, but also revealed that no real progress is being made at present.

"There is nothing new, we are still far apart. Our demand is for a 14 per cent increase, and the company is still at ten per cent," Eddie Majadibodu, the chief negotiator for the NUM, told Reuters.

"I will meet with the workers to see the way forward."

The strike - which involves 20,000 workers at Impala's Rustenburg mine and about 4,000 at Marula - is believed to be costing the company about 3,500 oz per day in production.

Sources:

Implats' workers consult on pay offer, strike (02/09/09)

Talks still under way to end 8-day Impala wage strike (02/09/09)

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