HeraldLive reports that the battle lines have been drawn in the automotive industry as employers square up against labour for what is expected to be robust wage negotiations.  More than 31,000 employees across the country who will be affected by the outcome of the talks.  

The main role-players include the Automobile Manufacturers’ Employers Organisation (Ameo), which represents employers at all the major original equipment manufacturers, and the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa).  Key elements in this year’s negotiations are Numsa’s demands for a one-year agreement, a 20% pay hike and the creation of a “mega” bargaining forum through the inclusion of employees in related sectors, such as refineries.  Negotiations between the parties got under way at the Motor Industry Bargaining Council on Tuesday and this Monday the parties are expected to thrash out the finer details of what each wants.  

• A short report by Shaun Gillham is at HeraldLive

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