The chamber of mines has tabled a new wage deal to NUM to the amount of 8.5%.

Coal marketers on Friday varied their profits cater for personnel, which the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) will nearly certainly now resolve to consider its connects, the Chamber of Mines said on Friday. “They are the ones holding the whole process to ransom”, said Peter Bailey, NUM’s chief coal sector negotiator. “Further strike action will continue to undermine the sustainability of the industry and jobs”.

The new offer could see the lowest paid workers receive wage increases of up to R1,000 ($74.99) per month in year one and hikes of up to 7.5% in the second year.

At the same time, Amcu members will vote on whether to strike or not on Sunday.

Wage talks in South Africa’s gold and coal sectors have continued for months as mining companies face declining commodity prices and growing competition between unions.

Africa’s most advanced economy, beset by power shortages, relies heavily on coal for its electricity and is also a major exporter to Europe and Asia.

NUM has been continuing their meeting with the chamber today. The union wants increases of 12 percent to 13 percent.

Both the United Association of SA and Solidarity had indicated their members’ acceptance of the offer tabled on September 14.