Amcu wage talks enter final stretch

A member of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) holds placards as he attends a protest rally.

A member of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) holds placards as he attends a protest rally.

Published Jan 29, 2014

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Johannesburg -

Talks between platinum producers and Amcu are expected to conclude in Pretoria on Wednesday.

The talks, which started on Monday, were aimed at resolving an Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) strike.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is acting as a mediator in the talks.

Amcu began a protected strike at Lonmin Platinum, Anglo American Platinum and Impala Platinum on Thursday last week.

The following day, the union, employers, Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant and Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu met at the CCMA's offices in Johannesburg.

Amcu is demanding an entry-level monthly salary of R12 500, but employers have said that this is unaffordable.

The CEOs of Amplats, Implats and Lonmin recently said a prolonged strike would probably further damage South Africa's reputation as an attractive business and investment destination.

On Friday, before the talks began, it was reported that platinum producers had offered between 8 and 8.5 percent.

On Tuesday, Amcu national treasurer Jimmy Gama said any offer that came out of the talks would have to be conveyed to the union’s members before a decision on ending the strike could be made. - Sapa

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