Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has welcomed the conclusion of the strike by platinum mine workers.
Workers are due to resume their duties this morning.
“We welcome this positive development in the mining industry and congratulate all those who have been involved in the negotiations. A long protracted strike was no longer in the interests of the parties involved or the country at large.
“We look forward to working with all stakeholders to implement the measures announced in the State of the Nation Address last week, to revitalise mining towns and restore labour stability in the sector,” said President Zuma on Tuesday.
The president of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu), Joseph Mathunjwa, on Monday, said a wage deal and “the bulk” of the workers’ demands had been accepted by the mining companies involved.
Amcu accepted a wage settlement that would increase the salary of the lowest paid worker by R1 000 over three years.
Salaries are set to increase by R1 000 in the first two years and in the third year, they will increase by R950.
The salary of officials and artisans would increase by 8% in the first year and by 7.5% in the second and third year.
While the living-out allowance will not be increased over the three-year period, other benefits will increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Amcu members at Lonmin, Impala Platinum and Anglo American Platinum went on strike on 23 January, demanding a monthly basic salary of R12 500. – SAnews.gov.za
