THE labour unrest in the gold mining sector has spread to the diamond mining industry.
Petra Diamonds mineshafts were hit by wage-related work stoppages this week.
At Cullinan Diamond Mine, east of Pretoria, miners turned violent on Thursday after police were called in to disperse picketing workers.
The strike action follows a breakdown in wage negotiations and a deadlock at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration since the wage negotiations began in July.
Sammy Makhura, branch secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), said they were demanding a monthly living wage of R8000 because many of their members earn about R4000.
He said the employers came with a counter-offer of a 9% to 10% increase, R650 for medical aid and a R650 housing allowance.
Petra Diamonds's Gert Klopper said: "We remain committed to a negotiated settlement and will continue engaging with the NUM in order to resolve this dispute."
In the gold sector, trade union United Association of South Africa accepted the final wage offer made by the Chamber of Mines on Friday, but NUM members were gearing up to down tools.
mtshazox@sundayworld.co.za
Labour unrest stirs in diamond mine sector
THE labour unrest in the gold mining sector has spread to the diamond mining industry.
Petra Diamonds mineshafts were hit by wage-related work stoppages this week.
At Cullinan Diamond Mine, east of Pretoria, miners turned violent on Thursday after police were called in to disperse picketing workers.
The strike action follows a breakdown in wage negotiations and a deadlock at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration since the wage negotiations began in July.
Sammy Makhura, branch secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), said they were demanding a monthly living wage of R8000 because many of their members earn about R4000.
He said the employers came with a counter-offer of a 9% to 10% increase, R650 for medical aid and a R650 housing allowance.
Petra Diamonds's Gert Klopper said: "We remain committed to a negotiated settlement and will continue engaging with the NUM in order to resolve this dispute."
In the gold sector, trade union United Association of South Africa accepted the final wage offer made by the Chamber of Mines on Friday, but NUM members were gearing up to down tools.
mtshazox@sundayworld.co.za
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