South Africa’s National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) last week signed a five-year wage deal with De Beers, on behalf of its more than 1500 members who are employed at the diamond mining major.
This deal was concluded after a marathon of wage negotiations with the company which lasted for almost seven months.
“The NUM is a mandate-driven trade union. We have made several moves during our negotiations with the company. The NUM members are very happy with the deal and have mandated us to sign the wage agreement,” said NUM-De Beers Chief Negotiator, Masibulele Naki.
Under the agreement, De Beers employees will receive a 7% pay hike in 2023, and a 6% increase each year until April 2028. According to the company, the minimum entry level basic wage, excluding allowances, has risen to 17,630 rand ($954.30) per month.