Catherwood LibraryILR School

After four months of striking, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union has settled on a proposal for wage increases that it hopes the largest platinum mining companies can agree to. The proposal comes after the Union and the three largest companies entered into mediation with the South African government. The talks were led by the South African Mineral Resource Minister Ngoako Ramathlhodi whose task was to end the impasse that is threatening to plunge Africa?s second-largest economy into recession. The wage deal that was passed onto the companies for approval would benefit the lowest paid workers the most who would see their pay rise by 800 rand ($75) per month each year for five years. Although union leadership supports the plan, it still must be approved by the union membership if it is approved by the companies.