The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) in South Africa has issued strike notices to AngloGold Ashanti Ltd as the parties exhausted the negotiation process. The AMCU represents about 20 percent of gold miners in South Africa which is the sixth largest producer in the world. In September, AngloGold, Sibanye Gold Ltd., and Harmony Gold Mining Co. have reached wage agreements with all major unions in the South African mining industry except for the AMCU. The AMCU is asking for a minimum monthly wage of 12,500 rand compared to the 5,400 rand per month which the other unions have agreed to. The Chamber of Mines has said that it would oppose any strike by AMCU against the gold mines.
See "Gold Mines Targeted by AMCU Union Strike Threat Over Pay", Paul Burkhardt & Kevin Crowley, Bloomberg News, January 14, 2014