ANA reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) has rejected an offer by employers in the metal and engineering industries for a 5.3% wage increase.
This came after Numsa tabled a demand in the two-day wage talks that began on Wednesday for a 15% wage increase across the board based on the actual rates that workers were earning. The current wage agreement covering the sector lapses at the end of June. Numsa also wants a two-year deal, all outstanding issues to be finalised and the extension of the agreement to non-parties falling under the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC). In response, employers proposed, among other things, a three-year wage agreement with a 5.3% increase across the board for the first year based on minimum rates rather than actual rates. Numsa acting spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi, said the union was shocked by the employers’ offer and it rejected it with the contempt it deserved. Hlubi said the union had demanded that employers go back to the drawing board and come up with a better proposal when the parties meet again on Thursday this week.
- Read this report in full at eNCA
- See too, Numsa rejects 5.3% wage offer, at BusinessLive
And also, Numsa warns of a strike in metal and engineering sector, at EWN
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page