Business Report writes that the spectre of a strike in the retail motor industry has increased, with the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) having declared a dispute in negotiations for a new industry agreement.  

Jakkie Olivier, CE of Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), confirmed that Numsa had last week declared a deadlock in their negotiations at the motor industry bargaining council.  In his view, the union had acted irresponsibly in declaring a dispute so early in the process.  The negotiations involve three employer organisations in the RMI, Fuel Retailers Association, National Employers Association of SA and two unions, Numsa and the Motor Industry Staff Association (Misa).  The current agreement expires on 31 August and covers a number of sectors, including automotive component manufacturers, vehicle body builders, service and repair workshops, fuel service stations, vehicle dealers and automotive parts and accessories retailers.  Acting Numsa spokesman Patrick Craven said a facilitation process was scheduled for 13 July.

• Read this report by Roy Cokayne in full at Business Report
• See too, Numsa won’t back down on substantial wage demand in retail motor industry, at EWN

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page