Two-year wage deal ends coal strike

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"We are encouraged that the parties were able to find each other. The speedy resolution to the strike is in the interests of workers, the companies and the South African economy as a whole," Minister Zwane said.

On Tuesday, 13 October, parties reached a two-year wage agreement which will see employees receive increments of between R750 and R1,000 per month in year one and guaranteed increases of 7.5% in the second year.

Thousands of workers from Exxaro, Glencore, Anglo American and several smaller coal producers, who have been on strike for more than a week, were due to return to work on Wednesday.

The strike in the sector attracted national attention because of the effect it could have had on Eskom's ability to supply electricity.

Minister Zwane urged other parties currently in wage negotiations to continue to stick to the principles set out in the Framework Agreement for a Sustainable Mining Industry.