Gold mine members of the Chamber of Mines agreed to significant concessions yesterday as they and trade federation Cosatu discussed the details of an action plan that would include an investigation into “different working arrangements that will improve productivity and the competitive position of the industry, with associated profit share agreements for employees”.
This follows the collective bargaining forum of the gold and coal sectors on Wednesday where it was agreed to fast-track a job re-grading programme. The gold sector members have agreed to a deadline of end of October for the programme, which could bring an end to the ongoing unprotected strikes.
Gold sector members have also come out in support of Cosatu’s call for a commission of inquiry into the working and living conditions in the mining industry.
The job regrading programme will not change the scope of existing bi-annual wage agreements in the two sectors, but could result in additional wage increases for entry-level workers.
Yesterday’s meeting was attended by Mark Cutifani and Nick Holland, the CEOs of AngloGold and Gold Fields respectively, Cosatu secretary general Zwelinzima Vavi and the trade federation’s president, S’dumo Dlamini, NUM President Senzeni Zokwana, as well as senior officials of the Chamber of Mines.
