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South Africa: Gold miners begin work stoppage over pay
The industry’s latest offer guarantees average pay of ZAR 9,170 (US$882) a month and profit-sharing schemes, however Union spokesman Seshoka said the figure was misleading.
“They are combining everything, including medical aid and living out allowance,” he said.
If the downward spiral continues, the gold sector may employ only 60,000 people by 2020, according to the Chamber of Mines. But Cutifani said it had the potential to create 260,000 jobs by then if the industry, government and labor groups could reach a workable plan.
Meanwhile work stoppages in other industries continue.
Around 11,000 cheaply-exploited and underpaid automobile workers will march in the capital Pretoria Tuesday, while 72,000 petrol station attendants hold off on stoppages pending wage talks.
Over 45,000 construction workers are also withholding labur for higher wages.
Copyright 2013 AFP
