MARIKANA, South Africa (AP) ? Striking platinum miners in South Africa have accepted an agreement with Lonmin and plan to return to work on Thursday, said a mediator.
The deal reached Tuesday includes a 22 percent pay increase and a once-off payment of 2,000 rand ($250) to help cover the nearly six weeks of not being paid while they were on strike, according to Bishop Joe Seoka, a member of the negotiating team.
The bloody and bitter strike began on Aug. 10 and was marked by violence in which 45 people were killed. On Aug. 16 police opened fire on demonstrating strikers, killing 34 and wounding 78 in a display of state violence that shocked the nation.
About 5,000 strikers gathered in a stadium to listen to the deal and cheered and sang when they finally accepted the offer. They then formed a line and danced out of the stadium.
Seoka said he will go back to the negotiations with Lonmin management to finalize the deal Tuesday night.
"You have won as workers," said Seoka to the crowd. He said there will be further negotiations in October where they can discuss a further increase.
One worker held up a hand with the phrase "Mission Accomplished" written in black ink.
The Lonmin workers were the first to strike and in recent weeks seven other mines had work stoppages, including six platinum mines, one gold and one chrome mine.
The strikes have destabilized South Africa's key mining sector. The work stoppages cost the country more than $500 million, according to President Jacob Zuma.
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