The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) emerged from the gold talks with the Chamber of Mines bruised from the Chamber ‘s inconsistencies and reluctance to budge. The Chamber of Mines representing Angolgold Ashanti, Harmony Gold and Goldfields dragged its feet the whole day and increased its wage offer by a mere 0,5% and 1% respectively for higher and lower categories.

The NUM perturbed by these insults have now dispatched its soldiers onto the ground for a serious ground war in the form of a massive strike action.

"We are now ready for action. There has not been progress and clearly progress would not be coming and we have no option to opt for a push" says Frans Baleni , the NUM General Secretary who is also Chief Negotiator at the Chamber of Mines.

The industry would face a strike action by over 140 000 gold mineworkers if members vote for it. "There is no question about not having a strike. The strike is here, feel it" says Baleni.

Statement issued by Frans Baleni, NUM General Secretary, July 5 2011

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