NUM,+Kumba+talks+at+the+brink

NUM PRESS RELEASE, August 02 2006
=KUMBA STRIKE TALKS R 44.00 SHY OF SETTLEMENT=

Today's talks between the union and Kumba Resources failed to find a solution to the current strike action affecting the company. The meeting, which took the whole day, ended without offering a clear sign of an end to the deadlock.

This happened contrary to the hope earlier expressed by the union negotiators, as Eddie Majadibodu, NUM's Chief Negotiator points out, " we were so hopeful when going to this meeting thinking that it would be a matter of a few hours and we would settle, enabling workers to go back to work and production to start before this week ends. In fact, we are so close to reaching a conclusion it is a matter of management just looking beyond and crossing the psychological barrier".

The company made a new offer, from 7% for the higher earners and 8% for the lower end, of 7.75% for higher categories and 8.75% for the lower categories. The union's demand is 9% for the higher category and 10.5% for the lower one.

"In essence there is about a R 44.00 that separates us from management. We believe this is achievable given the company's performance. We are willing to continue engaging them until a solution is reached soon. For now, though, we have decided to take this new offer back to our members for their response", said Eddie Majadibodu.

The union will be having consultations with all branches on Thursday, with the hope of giving the company feedback before the end of the week. We continue to be hopeful that what separates us is not insurmountable, we should apply our minds and make the necessary leap.


 * For further details contact: Eddie Majadibodu @ 0828093227 and/or Jackie Tshimanegape @ 0836324145**


 * Moferefere Lekorotsoana**
 * HEAD: PUBLICITY AND INFORMATION**


 * Tel: 27.11.377-2000 (reception)**
 * 27.11.377-2036 (direct)**
 * Fax: 0866097515**
 * Cell: 0828045041**

Homepage: [|**www.num.org.za**]
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