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NUM rejects Gold Fields’ settlement offer, strike at South Deep continues

3rd December 2018

By: Marleny Arnoldi

Deputy Editor Online

     

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The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has rejected JSE-listed Gold Fields’ proposed settlement offer and decided to not call off the four-week-long strike at South Deep mine.

The proposed settlement offer was jointly drawn up with the NUM national, regional and branch structures and would have increased severance payments to the 1 082 retrenched employees. 

Additionally, the offer included enhanced portable skills training opportunities for the retrenched employees and extended the period over which wages lost by striking employees would be forfeited.

The NUM South Deep branch started strike action on November 2 to protest retrenchments at the mine. The operation is losing about R6-million a day, owing to production stoppages.

The striking employees have lost about R80-million in wages and other earnings.

Gold Fields CEO Nick Holland confirmed in a statement that the restructuring plans will not change, stating that they are necessary for South Deep’s long-term sustainability. He said the wellbeing of the remaining 3 500 jobs at the mine are being put at risk, should the strike continue for an extended period of time.

Holland said the majority of striking employees have indicated that they would prefer to return to work, but feel threatened by the strike leadership.

Edited by Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online

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