Employees at BHP's Hillside Aluminium get 15% pay rise

Although rising inflation figures are placing more and more pressure on employees, one of the best wage increases of the year is implemented for employees of BHP Billiton's Hillside Aluminium this month. In terms of a three-year agreement concluded in 2007, this year's wage increase has been calculated on the CPIX figure for July this year plus a 2% improvement factor. This means that employees will receive a wage increase of 15% this year. According to Solidarity spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans inflation, which currently is on a record high of 13% is expected to start levelling off within the next two months. "This news is a boon for employees of Hillside, as their wage increase will probably remain above the inflation figure and in the coming months, when inflation decreases, put enormous value in employees' pockets," explains Kleynhans. Apart from the rand value in employees' pockets, Solidarity also welcomes the commitment that Hillside Aluminium has made to its employees with this wage increase. "This increase emphasises that Hillside realises the value of its employees and wants to retain their skills - an example which should be followed by other employees in the era of skills shortages," says Kleynhans. Solidarity represents about 350 members at Hillside Aluminium, the largest aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere. Source: Mineweb