COSATU welcomes platinum strike settlement

The Congress of South African Trade Unions welcomes the settlement of the five-month long strike in the platinum mining sector, and that the workers will be back to work on Wednesday. 

The workers have accepted a wage settlement which is reported to increase the basic monthly salary of the two lowest bands of categories of workers by R1 000, excluding other benefits, over three years. This means some of the workers will receive R12 500 before the end of the three-year agreement - and they will receive back pay within seven days of returning to their jobs on Wednesday.

This increase is in line with what COSATU believes is the minimum acceptable for mine workers toiling in unhealthy and dangerous conditions, and will continue campaign for a statutory national minimum wage, with higher increases to reflect workers' qualifications, skills and the danger of the job.

COSATU condemns the violence and intimidation which has taken place during and before the strike and repeats its call for the law enforcement authorities to bring all the culprits to justice. 

Statement issued by Patrick Craven, COSATU national spokesperson, June 24 2014

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter