Trade union Solidarity has concluded a two-year wage agreement with gold producer Village Main Reef.
This comes after just two weeks of negotiations undertaken in collaboration with fellow trade unions the National Union of Mineworkers, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union and Uasa.
Among other things, the agreement makes provision for a 5%-a-year increase for the next two years for miners, artisans and officials, while Category 4 to 8 employees will receive an increase of R800 a year over the next three years.
The housing allowance will also be increased by R100 a year over the next two years and the medical aid benefit will be improved.
“We are delighted to announce that the agreement has been concluded. Settlement was reached within two weeks without a deadlock or a dispute process and will ensure the company can focus on capital and expansion projects for the next two years.
"The agreement is a victory for sustainability and constructive collective bargaining,” Solidarity general secretary Gideon du Plessis says.
He adds that the agreement also makes provision for ongoing consultation between the company and trade unions on aspects pertaining to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and, in particular, the implementation of modern mining technology, thereby ensuring that miners benefit from modernisation and that they are not disadvantaged by it.