NUM signed a wage agreement with De Beers for the period of 2014-2017

NUM Press Statement, 21 October 2014

NUM signed a wage agreement with De Beers for the period of 2014-2017

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) signed a three-year wage agreement with De Beers after tough negotiations that started in July 2014. 

This agreement is effective from the 1st of May 2014 unti 30th April 2017

The NUM wishes to express its sincere gratitude to its members at De Beers for the manner in which they behaved during the negotiation period up until they gave us mandate to sign the agreement.

The agreement offers the following: -

• WAGES:

Year One 2014
9% for B band bargaining unit employees 

9% for CL band bargaining unit employees

The De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa (DBSSSA) members in Hay Grades 12 and 13 had got an increase relating to staff salary directive, and when they attained 50% + 1 they negotiated and will receive the agreed increase as of 01 October 2014.

Year Two 2015
B band employees: - the higher of 9% or the consumer price index as issued by SA Statistics for March 2015 plus 2% for the same band bargaining employees.
CL band employees: - the higher of 9% or the consumer price index as issued by SA Statistics for March 2015 plus 2% for the same band employees.

Year Three: - 2016
B band employees: - the higher of 9% or the consumer price index as issued by SA Statistics for March 2016 plus 2% for same band employees.
CL band employees: - the higher of 9% or the consumer prices index as issued by SA Statistics for March 2016 plus 2% for same band employees.

All the above increases save for those in DBSSSA as indicated as of 01 May 2014 and will yield a back pay for our members.

• There is an agreement on a Home Ownership Subsidy which will be implemented as of the 01 October 2014 as follows: -

2014 ≥ 25% of the mortgage bond instalment per month and not exceeding R1000 per month.

01 October 2015 ≥ 25% of the mortgage bond instalment per month not exceeding R1060 per month.

01 October 2016 ≥ 25% of the mortgage bond instalment per month not exceeding R1124 per month. These amounts shall have no bearing on the company’s facilitated Home Ownership Programme.

• Housing Allowances: -

01 October 2014 ≥ R500.00

01 October 2015 ≥ R530.00

01 October 2016 ≥ R562.00

• Annual Leave – 01 May 2015

Continuous operations shifts – from 17 days to 18 days (1 day extra)
5 days shift – from 23 days to 24 days (1 day extra)

01 May 2015
Continuous operations shifts – from 18 days to 19 days (1 day extra)
5 days shift – from 24 days to 25 days (1 day extra)

• Medical Aid

This matter has been referred to the Central Forum which will be sitting on the 03 November 2014 and whatever the settlement, there will be backdating.

"The NUM is very pleased with this agreement and it is victory for workers, because even though the matter remained unresolved at the CCMA, and the union was given a certificate to strike, the NUM had to use its maturity and skill in further engaging the company robustly which then resulted in such a beneficial agreement," said Acting NUM Chief Negotiator at De Beers Dusty Ngwane.

"Our members will be receiving a back pay plus an increase, which will come in handy before the December holiday. Six months after this, they will be getting an increase again in May 2015," Ngwane added.

For more information, please contact:

Dusty Ngwane: 071 681 6804 (NUM Chief Negotiator at De Beers)
Livhuwani Mammburu: 083 809 3257 (Acting NUM National Spokesperson)

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/100860023402167