Tensions are high as wage talks at Gold Fields’ South Deep mine commence this week. Labour unions National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and United Association of South Africa (UASA) are accusing management of failing to engage constructively and are now demanding a full look at the company’s latest audited financials.

Unions are demanding an 11% hike for the lowest-paid workers and 9.5% for artisans and officials.

However, Gold Fields is offering 7% and 5.7% respectively. NUM Chief Negotiator, Ntshane Monaheng, says higher gold prices mean the company can afford to pay up.

“Given the economies of scale of the company, in terms of affordability, we feel that the company is offering too little, given that they have given executive millions of rands and the company has offered nothing for the employees in the form of bonuses. To this effect, the parties have agreed that there ought to be disclosure of information in terms of the financials, which will disclose in terms of the extent affordability which can help the parties bridge this impasse.”

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