Wage negotiations between Gold Fields’ South Deep mine management and labour unions NUM and UASA have become increasingly tense, with the unions accusing company executives of showing “arrogance” during ongoing discussions.
The dispute emerged during the fifth round of wage talks held at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg, where the parties remain divided over proposed salary increases for mine workers.
In a statement issued on May 15, 2026, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and UASA said management had displayed what they described as “pomposity and arrogance” instead of engaging constructively during plenary sessions.
The unions warned Gold Fields management to stop what they called “instructive and disrespectful behaviour” and urged the company to treat labour representatives with professionalism to preserve stable labour relations.
At the centre of the dispute is a widening gap between the unions’ wage demands and the company’s latest offer.
NUM and UASA are demanding an 11 percent wage increase for employees in Categories 4 to 8, while Gold Fields has offered 7 percent. For artisans, miners, and officials, the unions are seeking a 9.5 percent increase, compared to the company’s offer of 5.7 percent.
The unions argue that the offers do not reflect the strong profits generated by Gold Fields amid rising international gold prices and increased production by workers at the South Deep mine.
As part of efforts to strengthen their position in the negotiations, NUM has invoked Section 16 of South Africa’s Labour Relations Act, requesting that Gold Fields disclose detailed financial information before the next round of talks.
The unions are seeking access to the company’s revenue figures, profitability data, remuneration records, and internal dividend and bonus payout structures.
According to the unions, the information is necessary to ensure effective consultation and collective bargaining.
NUM and UASA said the company’s latest offer will be presented to workers during a mass meeting scheduled for next week Tuesday, where employees will decide whether to accept the proposal or push for further negotiations.
South Deep is one of Gold Fields’ major mining operations in South Africa and forms part of the company’s global gold production portfolio.
