The three month long Sibanye-Stillwater strike and lockout has come to an end.
A three year wage agreement has been reached with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) and the National Union of Mine Workers (Num), and is effective from 1 July. It will also include the members of UASA (United Association of South Africa) and Solidarity.
It effectively means an average 6.3% increase over three years.
The category 4 – 8 employees will receive a 7.7% annual increase in the first year, 6.5% in the second year and 5.2% in the third year.
The miners, artisans and officials will receive an average increase of 5% in the first year, 5.5% in the second year, and 5% in the third year.
The once off hardship allowance of R3 000 proposed by the CCMA for category 4 – 8 employees, will be extended to miners, artisans and officials. The hardship allowance will consist of a guaranteed R1 200 cash. The balance of up to R1 800 will be allocated to the reduction of employee debt or loans owing to the company. These were incurred in ensuring that medical aid contributions and risk benefits were covered during the lockout.
The operational start-up will be phased in over two to three months to ensure the safe resumption of production.
Neal Froneman, Group CEO , says the company is pleased to have achieved an agreement which is in line with inflation and which will contribute significantly to the sustainability of the gold operations.
