Lafarge South Africa has confirmed that the National Union of Mineworkers has accepted its offer of an 8% salary increase,
as the strike at its operations enters the second week.
Lafarge South Africa also indicated that the last offer it tabled over the past weekend of a R70 000 housing grant was its final offer. This is an increase from the initial offer of R50 000.
The company has noted NUM’s principles as it relates to salary gaps and has proposed a process where both Lafarge South Africa management and NUM leadership can come together to find a solution that benefits its employees. Lafarge South Africa is also open to engaging an independent party with the aim of ensuring that the matter is dealt with in a fair and transparent manner.
NUM is currently communicating the latest offers to its members and the company awaits the union’s response.
“We are pleased that the union has accepted the salary increase offer. It still remains important to us to look at the best interest of both the employees and the company,” said Unathi Batyashe-Fillis, Country Manager for Communications and Public Affairs. “We believe that our offer is more than fair as and we hope that it is accepted so we can bring the industrial action to a speedy end.”
Batyashe-Fillis indicated that while operations remain unaffected, Lafarge South Africa was aware of areas where orders are not being processed as fast as normal. Lafarge South Africa is in constant contact with all its customers to address the issue.
She reiterated the company’s commitment to engage with the union leaders.
“We want to resolve the issues as speedily as possible, and hope that our proposal will be acceptable to the union,” said Batyashe-Fillis.
More information from Unathi Batyashe–Fillis Tel:+27116571109/Mobile:+27828721120/Email: unathi.fillis@lafargeholcim.com
