Finally, peace has arrived between Waihi gold miners and their bosses, with the settlement of their persisting dispute. The victory was gained by miners by getting a rise of 11.6% in their pay for the next three years.

The negotiations have been going on between HWE Mining Pty Ltd. and the 55 miners in the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) in Tauranga for a week and the today’s agreement is induced by the talks.

Showing their annoyance towards the owners, union members in July cling to the industrial action by halting work for every two days a week and going on two 30-minute breaks, rather than taking a single one-hour break, after every 11-1/2 hour shift.

EMPU members have taken back their protest after reaching the settlement dated back to 8 May, according to which, their pay will increase by 4% in 2010, 4% in 2011 and 3.5% in 2012. They would also get an upfront payment of up to $750. Also, in 2012, the redundancy compensation benefits for the members would raise to the maximum payment of 9 weeks’ pay from 6 weeks’ pay.

Andrew Little, EPMU National Secretary, stated that the rise in the pay would inflict financial benefits for the EPMU members.

He said, “A pay rise of 11.6% over three years along with an upfront payment for union members are welcome at a time when prices are rising and the Government is hiking GST, both of which hit workers’ pay packets”.