Northam Platinum could face strikes at its South African operations next week as a result of a wage dispute, it emerged yesterday (1st September).

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) revealed that 8,000 workers have voted for industrial action following the collapse of discussions about pay increases.

Northam has offered its employees an eight per cent rise in a new two-year deal, but the union is holding out for a 15 per cent hike.

"The strike begins on Monday, and we are going to cause havoc at Northam Platinum," said NUM spokesman Lesiba Seshoka in an interview with Reuters.

According to the NUM, it represents about 7,000 of the workers who have "overwhelmingly" voted for the strike.

Wage disputes are viewed with great interest by the platinum industry in South Africa as production levels are likely to suffer if miners decide to down tools.

Northam Platinum, which owns the world-class Booysendal asset on the western limb of the Bushveld Complex, recorded pgm output of 321,475 oz in the year to 30th June.

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S.African miners to strike at Northam from Monday (01/09/10)

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