Engineering News reports that with wage negotiations in the metals and engineering sector having come to a standstill, trade union Solidarity fears that a resulting strike would jeopardise the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC).  

Trade unions and employers at the MEIBC reached a deadlock about three weeks ago over wage negotiations in the industry.  Further talks in the council came to a standstill on Thursday.  According to Solidarity’s Marius Croucamp, a strike would result in a loss of income for the bargaining council, which could bring it to its knees.  Croucamp noted that some of the employers offered a 5.3% increase, while employers’ organisations the National Employers’ Association of SA (Neasa) and the Border Industrial Employers’ Association withdrew their wage offers.  He went on to indicate:  “Although Solidarity asked for a 10% increase, the trade union is determined to ensure the long-term success of the industry and, therefore, it is willing to continue with the wage negotiations.”  He urged trade unions and employers to stay committed to the collective bargaining process.

• Read this report in full at Engineering News
• Read Solidarity’s press statement at Solidarity online

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