The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the majority union at Gold Fields’ South Deep mine, has concluded a five-year wage agreement for employees at the mine.

The multiyear agreement, negotiated in collaboration with UASA, is effective from March 1, this year, to February 28, 2031.

It covers employees in categories four to eight, as well as miners, artisans and officials.

For the first year, the category four to eight minimum entry-level basic salary increases to

R18 663 a month (underground) and R16 233 a month (surface).

The remaining employees in this category receive a 10% increase.

Miners, artisans and officials receive a 6.2% increase.

In the second year, the category four to eight entry-level basic salary rises to R20 006 a month (underground) and R17 401 a month (surface), with a 7.2% increase for remaining staff.

Miners, artisans and officials receive a 6% increase.

In the third year, the category four to eight entry-level basic salary increases to R21 426 a month (underground) and R18 637 a month (surface), with a 7.1% increase for other staff.

Miners, artisans and officials receive a 6% increase.

In the fourth year, the category four to eight entry-level basic salary increases to R22 927 a month (underground) and R19 942 a month (surface), with a 7% increase for remaining staff.

Miners, artisans and officials receive a 6% increase.

In the fifth year, the category four to eight entry-level basic salary rises to R24 532 a month (underground) and R21 338 a month (surface), with a 7% increase for remaining staff.

Miners, artisans and officials receive a 6% increase.

Adjustments will also be applied to the housing allowance, medical incapacity and funeral benefit.

In recognition of the timely conclusion of negotiations, Gold Fields has approved a discretionary, one-off cash incentive of R50 000 for permanent and fixed-term employees with at least 12 months of continuous service; and R10 000 for non-permanent employees on active or residual learnerships, experiential learning and related programmes with at least six months of continuous service.

The NUM commended its members for the discipline and maturity throughout the negotiation process.

The union was fully mandated by its members to sign this agreement during a mass meeting on July 22.