Solidarity wraps up successful wage negotiations at Palabora Mining
Solidarity, 5 February 2010

The trade union Solidarity secured a wage increase of 9% during negotiations with the country’s largest copper mine, Palabora Mining, this week.

“The wage negotiations were extremely successful and Solidarity members will be receiving a wage increase that is close to 3% above the current level of inflation,” explains Solidarity spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans. “This yearlong agreement was reached with the company this week and will be signed shortly.”

According to Kleynhans, there is renewed optimism in the mining industry and producers are prepared to pay a premium to retain scarce and critical skills.

Apart from the 9% wage increase, which will come into effect as of 1 March, an increase in the employees’ housing subsidy was also agreed on. Moreover, employees will, in future, be entitled to a biannual travel allowance of R500 to help cover the costs associated with visits to medical specialists in Pretoria, Polokwane or Nelspruit.

Various issues, including skills development, overtime and work performance evaluation, have been referred to a separate forum. These issues must be finalised by June and August 2010.

Solidarity conducted wage negotiations on behalf of employees on the C band which mainly includes artisans and miners.