The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Pretoria, Witwatersrand, and Vereeniging (PWV) region has signed a three-year wage agreement on behalf of its members at the Gold One Modder East Mine, in Springs. 

The agreement, which will be in effect from January 1, 2024, to January 1, 2026, will apply to all underground, gold processing plant and surface employees in the A and B categories. 

Category A mineworkers typically comprise skilled or semiskilled individuals with extensive experience and specialised training, often found in underground positions, such artisans, machine operators and other specialised roles. These workers usually bear more significant responsibilities and therefore command higher wages than their category B counterparts.  

Category B mineworkers are generally less skilled or semiskilled workers with limited experience and training compared to category A mineworkers. They typically include general labourers, entry-level employees, and those performing less specialised tasks.  

For the first year of the agreement, all employees will receive wage increases of R1 000. All employees whose basic salary is below R10 000 after the increase will receive a salary adjustment and will earn a basic salary of R10 000 a month. 

For the second year, all employees will receive an increase of 6.5% and those whose basic salary is below R11 500 a month will earn a basic salary of R11 500. 

For the third year, all employees will receive an increase of 5% and those whose basic salary is below R13 000 a month will earn a basic salary of R13 000. Rock-drill operators will receive a minimum wage of R13 800. 

The living out allowance will be increased by 5% in year one, 6.5% in year two and 5% in year three.  

The NUM says any increase in respect of the medical allowance will be subject to supplier increases but will not be above 8%. The first increase will only be applicable from January 1, 2025. 

“Our members at Gold One are excited and they gave us this mandate to sign the agreement,” NUM PWV acting regional secretary Mlulameli Mweli says.