The Spear of the Workers

Independent Democratic Union of South Africa

IDUSA AND COMEEWU DECLARE DISPUTE AGAINST CANYON MINE, REFER MATTER TO THE CCMA OVER 2026/2027 WAGE AND BENEFITS DEADLOCK

21 September 2026

The Independent Democratic Union of South Africa (IDUSA), together with COMEEWU, has formally declared a dispute against Canyon Mine and referred the matter to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), following a deadlock in the 2026/2027 wage and benefits negotiations.

The deadlock follows a ballot in which Canyon Mine's workers, union members and non-members alike, democratically and overwhelmingly rejected management's wage offer of 4%. This process reflected the collective will of the workforce, and management's continued refusal to engage meaningfully with that outcome has left the unions with no option but to escalate the matter to the CCMA.

A below-inflation offer that threatens workers' welfare: Against the union's demand for a R4,000 across-the-board increase on gross salary, management's 4% offer is below the current rate of inflation and, depending on pay grade, translates to as little as R365 and only around R1,500 per month for the most senior and technical workers. IDUSA and COMEEWU regard this gap as completely unacceptable given the cost-of-living pressures facing mineworkers and their families. The welfare of Canyon Mine's workforce is at stake: employees who keep the mine running are being asked to accept an increase that does not keep pace with the price of basic goods, transport and household essentials.

Summary of demands: IDUSA and COMEEWU submitted a full schedule of demands to Canyon Mine management on 2 March 2026. The core demands include: a living wage of R4,000 increase on the gross salary across the board; a living-out allowance of R5,500 per month; a R1,500 per month basic shift allowance; a safety and production bonus of R3,000; Sunday and overtime rates raised to 1.75 across the board (including new workers), with overtime increased from 1.5 to 2.0; medical aid with a change of service provider and the employer covering 50% of each employee's subscription; provident fund with a change of service provider and a 5% contribution from both employees and the employer; loyalty and long-service recognition rewards rising from R5,000 at 5 years' service to R20,000 at 20 years; and fatigue breaks paid in full, a functioning skills development committee, clarity on production targets, and a review of the roster and working hours. The complete, itemised schedule of demands is available on request.

Statement from the Secretary General: "Canyon Mine's management cannot expect our members to accept an offer that is effectively a real-terms pay cut. Workers have spoken democratically through the ballot box, and management's refusal to respect that outcome has forced us to refer this dispute to the CCMA. IDUSA and COMEEWU will not back down until our members receive a living wage and the medical aid benefits they deserve." - Godwin Ratikwane, Secretary General, IDUSA

Next steps: The matter has been referred to the CCMA for conciliation. IDUSA and COMEEWU remain open to genuine, good-faith engagement with Canyon Mine management, but are equally prepared to pursue every lawful avenue, including arbitration and, if necessary, protected industrial action, to secure a living wage and dignified working conditions for our members.

Issued by: Independent Democratic Union of South Africa (IDUSA), on behalf of IDUSA and COMEEWU. Media enquiries: Godwin Ratikwane, Secretary General, IDUSA, 083 260 8823, 012 652 3175, info@idusa.org.za.