A National Union of Miners' (NUM) official in South Africa has provided further details on the deal struck between the group and Angloplat last week.

Although an agreement was reached between the two last Friday, both sides refused to comment on the terms of the two-year deal until it had been approved by a union council this week.

Archie Palane, deputy general secretary of the NUM, told Reuters that the council approved that deal on Tuesday, and revealed that the world's largest platinum miner will be giving workers wage increases of 6.5 to seven per cent over the two years, as well as improved benefits for those with Aids.

The deal, which should have started in July this year, extends anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment for Aids to workers' spouses and partners, and ensures that provision for treatment will continue even if the worker retires or is laid off.

"We believe it will begin to encourage workers to come forward, knowing they will not be victims of retrenchment as a result of being (HIV) positive," explained Mr Palane.

All workers are to receive a 6.5 per cent wage increase until January under the contract, and will then get a further 0.5 per cent increase for the following six months. An increase of seven per cent will be provided to all workers during the second year of the deal.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd