In South Africa, the National Union of Mineworkers and Solidarity rejected a wage offer from Exxaro's coal unit. The unions said that the company had offered an 8% pay increase this year, and 7.5% next year. The dispute involves around 5,000 workers at three mines. Earlier this month many Exxaro workers approved two-year contracts which gave workers pay increases between 7 and 10.5%. NUM says that is seeking a 14% increase for the rest of its members. The dispute will now go to arbitration
See "S. Africa unions reject Exxaro pay offer", Ed Stoddard, Reuters, August 22, 2011