SA gold strike called off

Gold mine staff in South Africa have gone back to work after a strike came to an end.

Employees accepted the offer of an eight per cent rise and returned to their posts. But only workers from four of the seven companies involved in the action voted to go back.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) spokesman stated that the body had been asking for a 60 per cent pay rise for miners, while the initial offer was a six per cent increase, in line with the rate of inflation in South Africa.

NUM spokesman Lesiba Seshoka told the AFP news agency that some workers are still being briefed about the offer that is on the table. "This may possibly mark the end of the strike," he said.

It is estimated that about 64 per cent of South Africa's 120,000 gold miners are registered to the NUM, which is one of the biggest unions in the country.

Earlier this month, Goldman Sachs increased its gold price forecast for the second half of 2013.

Find out about commodities trading and learn CFD strategies at City Index

StoneX Financial Ltd (trading as “City Index”) is an execution-only service provider. This material, whether or not it states any opinions, is for general information purposes only and it does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. This material has been prepared using the thoughts and opinions of the author and these may change. However, City Index does not plan to provide further updates to any material once published and it is not under any obligation to keep this material up to date. This material is short term in nature and may only relate to facts and circumstances existing at a specific time or day. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment, legal, tax or other advice and no reliance should be placed on it.

No opinion given in this material constitutes a recommendation by City Index or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. The material has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research. Although City Index is not specifically prevented from dealing before providing this material, City Index does not seek to take advantage of the material prior to its dissemination. This material is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

For further details see our full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. CFD and Forex Trading are leveraged products and your capital is at risk. They may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved by reading our full risk warning.

City Index is a trading name of StoneX Financial Ltd. Head and Registered Office: 1st Floor, Moor House, 120 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5ET. StoneX Financial Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales, number: 05616586. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Register Number: 446717.

City Index is a trademark of StoneX Financial Ltd.

The information on this website is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any local law or regulatory requirement.