The consortium of unions, including The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Solidarity, and Uasa, brought the employer before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) following a declaration of a wage dispute.

Initially, the workers' demand for a $57 increase along with additional benefits was met with resistance from the company, which offered a $50 increase, leading to an impasse.

However, a compromise was reached with the CCMA's intervention, resulting in a $51.16 wage increase to be officially ratified this Friday.

Calvin Mathys, a representative from the NUM, detailed the negotiation process, "After convening under the CCMA's guidance, we proposed a $56.85 increase, and the company countered with $50.02. Thanks to the CCMA's mediation, they agreed to a $51.16 increase. We've decided to consult our workers for their approval.

The $51.16 increase applies to categories 4 to 8, with a 5.5% increase for miners, artisans, and officials. With the majority of our workers endorsing the agreement, we are set to sign it."

--ChannelAfrica/SABC--