Num says Gold Fields proposals are "a call to war"

According to Fin24, the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) has rejected proposed changes by Gold Fields [JSE:GFI] to the bonuses and working hours of workers at South Deep mine, as the changes would lead to less pay for workers. Num spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said that the union is "ready to go to battle. We are not going to take this lying down. This is a call to war."

Gold Fields began its consultation process with the Num and other affected employees at South Deep, in Westonaria, about six months ago, and proposed remuneration and benefit packages linked to the adoption of the new operating model, Fin24 says.

Moneyweb reports that Gold Fields, Africa's second- biggest producer of the metal, said the new model would enable it to create a further 400 full-time positions immediately and as many as 1 500 by the end of 2015. While negotiations with unions had lasted "several months," the company said, they couldn't reach an agreement on the proposal. The "worst-case scenario" would see it dismiss 2 384 underground workers, Chief Executive Officer Nick Holland said on a conference call.

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