Amongst the Union’s demands are the following:
10% wage increase across the board;
10% increase on the tankhouse allowance which is to be extended to all employees;
R250 per month on travelling allowance;
a further 50% subsidy for the canteen menu;
annual leave increased from 35 to 45 days.
In total, the Union’s demands would be equal to a ± 35% increase in cost to the Company.
The Company believes that its final offer is reasonable considering the fact that it is in line with settlements in the automobile, chemical and mining industries and is above the average inflation rate for 1999.
The current dispute affects only members in the junior bargaining unit at Rustenburg Base Metals Refiners (RBMR) of which NUMSA represents 291 employees. The total workforce at Rustenburg Base Metals Refiners (RBMR) numbers ± 1 200 workers while Amplats employs ± 40 000 people.
The Company has made the necessary contingency plans to ensure that there will be no interruption of production.
For further information, please contact
Mike Mtakati - 373-6865 / 083 779-1142
Johan Adler - 373-6637 / 083 627-3918 Group Public Affairs