No solution in sight to strike in S. African mining sector

There was no solution in sight to a strike in the South African coal mines as striking workers on Tuesday vowed to continue their industrial action until a better wage offer is tabled.

More than 30,000 coal miners downed tools in an indefinite strike last Sunday over salary disagreements.

Nelson Ratshoshi of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) which organized the strike told Xinhua that the strike would not end until the employer comes up with an improved offer.

Ratshoshi said, "The strike is continuing until the employer comes back to us with an improved offer. We are waiting for the employer to contact us with a reviewed offer which we will take to the workers to decide."

The South African Chamber of Mines (SACM), which represents the affected coal producers Anglo Coal, Delmas, Exxaro, Kangra, Msobo and Glencore, said the companies are willing to negotiate with the miners to find a solution.

Motsamai Motlhamme, Head of Employment Relations of the SACM, told Xinhua that the continued industrial action will hit hard the mining sector with job losses.

"From the producers' perspective, industrial action is most regrettable and will place a further strain on the companies as they face subdued demand and price pressures. We have already seen job losses in the coal sector and industrial action of this nature further undermines the viability of the industry and jobs," Motlhamme said.

NUM demands an increase of over 1,000 rand (about 73 US dollars) for the lowest paid worker and 14 percent for the artisans and officials, but the coal producers offer 6 to 8. 5 percent increase. Endit