The wage negotiations in the gold mining sector will start in two weeks, the Chamber of Mines said on Tuesday.
“The industry is at a crossroad. We need a measured and strategic conversation between partners with the aim of jointly considering ways to achieve a sustainable industry that attracts investment and offers a level of employment security within realistic parameters,” said Chamber of Mines chief negotiator Elize Strydom.
“This clearly requires a different approach to negotiations – an approach that provides for in-depth, focused engagements and joint solution-seeking discussions. The gold companies will be tabling a proposal on an economic and social sustainability compact for the long-term benefit of all the stakeholders.”
Representatives from AngloGold Ashanti, Evander Gold Mines, Harmony, Sibanye Gold and Village Main Reef met on Tuesday with representatives from the Association of Mining and Construction Workers Union (Amcu), the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Solidarity and Uasa to discuss the parties’ approach to the 2015 wage negotiations and the process to be followed.
The gold producers proposed to the unions that engagement be conducted at a venue that provided for both large plenary and focused meetings that could not be provided for in the Chamber of Mines’ building, as well as an independent chairperson.
“These proposals were accepted by all four unions. On this basis, the companies advise that gold wage negotiations will commence on June 22, and are scheduled for three days,” said Strydom.