S.African mines union and employers reach wage deal

JOHANNESBURG, July 9 (Reuters) - South Africa's National Union of Mineworkers and employers said on Thursday they had agreed a plan for better wages which could end a strike threatening to delay work on stadiums for the 2010 World Cup.

"After intense negotiations ... a framework of an agreement which contains an improved offer has been established," the union and employers said in a joint statement.

A spokesman said the union would present the offer to members before deciding whether or not to continue the strike.

(Reporting by Muchena Zigomo, edited by Richard Meares)

((muchena.zigomo@thomsonreuters.com; +27 11 775 3159; Reuters Messaging: muchena.zigomo.reuters.com@reuters.net)) Keywords: SAFRICA STRIKE/AGREEMENT

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