Artisans working for steel giant ArcelorMittal SA have been awarded a 12 percent wage increase which will be back dated to 1 April, trade union Solidarity said on Friday.

Spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans said the increase would be for employees on all levels.

Kleynhans said employees with technical skills would, however, receive an additional salary increase.

"The additional adjustment follows after ArcelorMittal indicated that it was aware of the unprecedented economic growth and the growing need for technical skills,' he said.

Kleynhans said ArcelorMittal had not indicated how much the additional adjustment would be.

He said a working group had been appointed to identify the scarce skills the company was facing.

Kleynhans said the 12 percent increase was in line with this year's wage increases as workers inflation was approximately one to two percent higher than consumer inflation.

He said the employees would also benefit from maternity leave which had been extended to four months.

The other benefits included funeral benefits, annual leave and long service leave.

Sapa