Apart from wage increases, the agreement also covers various outstanding discussion points between the company and the mineworkers union
PETRA Diamonds has concluded a one-year wage agreement with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) covering its South African operations for the financial year to June 30, 2021.
Spokesperson for the company, Cathy Malins, said on Wednesday that the company would make a once-off, ex gratia payment at the end of November 2020 of between R5 000 to R8 500 to employees graded in the A and B Paterson bands.
In addition, employees in the A Paterson band will receive an increase of 5.5% in their cash earnings, effective January 1, 2021, with employees in the B Paterson band receiving 5%.
“Apart from wage increases, the agreement also covers various outstanding discussion points between Petra and the NUM, with clear time-lines for finalisation of these, as well as a commitment to continue discussions on a wage agreement for the following financial year to June 30, 2022,” Marlins added.
Richard Duffy, chief executive of Petra Diamonds, thanked NUM for its positive and constructive engagement that resulted in the agreement.
“This now allows us to renew our focus on continuing to deliver operationally as we reposition the business in emerging from what has been a particularly challenging period.
“This agreement constitutes a full and final settlement of the FY 2021 substantive negotiations.”
William Mabapa, NUM deputy general secretary, confirmed the one-year wage agreement.
“The National Union of Mineworkers has today signed a one-year wage agreement with Petra Diamonds Limited,” he said.
According to Mabapa, the two parties still need to conclude a wage agreement for the C band which belongs to a separate bargaining unit.
“The NUM wishes to express its sincere gratitude to its members at Petra Diamonds for the manner in which they behaved during the negotiation period until they gave us the mandate to sign this agreement. Our members are excited and they gave us the mandate to sign this agreement,” Mabapa said.
