S.Africa union declares wage dispute against Implats

JOHANNESBURG, June 17 (Reuters) - South Africa's National Union of Mineworkers said on Wednesday it had declared a dispute over wages against Impala Platinum (IMPJ.J), the world's second largest producer of the precious metal.

The union wants a wage increase of 20 percent and said in a statement that Implats had not yet given its offer.

The union plans to meet Implats next Wednesday to resolve the wage dispute, but if this fails, it would call in a mediating authority to resolve the standoff. (Reporting by James Macharia)