Rustenburg - Wage negotiations between gold producers and trade unions will continue in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction (Amcu), which declared a deadlock in the last session, would hold a separate session with companies.
The union said the deadlock did not imply that it had abandoned the wage negotiations nor it intended to embark on a strike action.
“We have started to employ the necessary and formal processes of engagement which give us room to negotiate further on the demands as provided for in our recognition agreements.
“We will continue to act in our members’ interests and their mandate to ensure we reach a favourable agreement,” said Jimmy Gama, the union treasurer.
Amcu argued, in terms of the current wage offer from gold companies, the value of the workers’ income would depreciate over the five-year period.
“This results in the increase of the inflation rate-meaning, on the fifth year workers will take home a salary that is lower than of the first year.”
Speaking for the Chamber of Mines, Dr Elize Strydom, said leaders in the industry had a responsibility to demonstrate trust. “As leaders in this industry, we have an important responsibility to engage meaningfully, to earn and demonstrate trust, and to come to a satisfactory outcome.”
AngloGold Ashanti, Evander Gold Mines, Harmony, Sibanye Gold and Main Reef are negotiating with the National Union of Mineworkers, Solidarity and Uasa.
ANA