Northam, NUM reach settlement

Northam platinum mine in Limpopo

Northam platinum mine in Limpopo

Published Jan 21, 2014

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Johannesburg - A settlement agreement has been reached by the National Union of Mineworkers and Northam Platinum, the mining company said on Tuesday.

“Northam management is pleased to advise that the strike at the company’s Zondereinde mine has ended,” it said in a statement.

“Employees are expected to return to work tomorrow, Wednesday.”

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Northam Platinum signed a two-year wage agreement on Tuesday afternoon.

The basic wage of workers in categories two to eight would increase to 9.5 percent from 8.5 percent, with a nine percent rise in the living out allowance.

In categories nine and 10, the wage would go up from 7.5 percent to eight percent, and the living out allowance by seven percent.

“Upon return to work, the company will pay an ex-gratia amount of R3000,” the company said.

“The terms for payment of the ex-gratia amount will be applied in the manner elected by employees, ie either up front or over time.

Workers affiliated to the NUM went on strike over wages at Zondereinde mine in Amandelbult, Limpopo, on November 3.

Northam said the strike had cost it about R749.7 million in revenue, and workers about R151.7m in wages.

Sapa

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