Gold industry: Agreement a victory for collective bargaining

The signing of a two-year wage agreement for employees in the gold industry is a victory for collective bargaining and sound labour relations, trade union Solidarity said today. The agreement, signed by Solidarity, the NUM, Uasa and the Chamber of Mines, could be the turning point that puts the gold industry on the winning path.

Gideon du Plessis, General Secretary of Solidarity, said the trade union is full of praise for the manner in which the chamber and the trade unions rose above their differences to sign the historic agreement. ‘The negotiations took place against the backdrop of violent unprotected strikes and immense pressure in the gold industry.

The agreement is not satisfactory for trade unions or employers, but is indicative of compromises that both parties had to make in order to put the sustainability of the gold industry first.' As the gold wage agreement was accepted by the majority of trade unions in the sector, it has been extended to all employees, that fall under the chamber, in the gold mining sector. Negotiations in the gold industry has now finally come to an end despite the fact that all of the trade unions did not sign the agreement.

Du Plessis said Solidarity applauds the NUM, in particular, for the way in which it demonstrated the frustration of its members by means of a short and disciplined strike. ‘The NUM leadership and NUM members' understanding of the challenges in the gold industry is demonstrated by their acceptance of the chamber's revised offer. The agreement in various respects falls short in addressing employees' challenges, but does not put their job security in jeopardy.'

Solidarity called on Amcu to sign the final agreement in the interest of the sustainability of the gold industry and, particularly, in the interest of its members' job security. Solidarity moreover appealed to the Chamber of Mines and employees to have the courage of their convictions to respond to any further illegal actions in the mining industry by adopting a future-oriented and zero-tolerance approach.

Furthermore, Solidarity expressed the hope that the trade unions and the chamber will reach a settlement during the last round of negotiations in the coal industry on 18 September, thereby limiting the risk that problems will arise regarding the supply of electricity.

Statement issued by Gideon du Plessis, General Secretary: Solidarity, September 11 2013

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