SowetanLive reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) has given the strongest indication yet that it could embark on strike action to force automotive sector bosses to accede to its wage demands.  

On Wednesday, Numsa treasurer Mphumzi Maqungo advised that the last round of negotiations between the union and employers would be held in Port Elizabeth from 30 July to 2 August.  “We have set aside these four days to purely fight and see whether we can’t find a solution and reach an agreement.  If we don’t reach an agreement, we will strike.  I don’t want to lie.  We can’t be massaging each others’ egos for far too long,” he commented.  Maqungo also advised that Numsa would hold its automotive national shop steward council on 29 July to consolidate feedback from its members on the 4.5% wage increase offer from the Automobile Manufacturers Employers Organisation (Ameo).  The feedback will be taken to the last round of negotiations for consideration.  Numsa is demanding a one-year, 20% wage increase across the board; as well as morning, afternoon and night allowances of 10%, 20% and 30%, respectively.  Also, the union is demanding an annual bonus increase from 8.33% to 12%; six months’ paid maternity leave and 10 days’ paid paternity leave; as well as a transport allowance of R5,000 a month.  Numsa moreover wants clerks, welders, spray painters and metal-finish workers to be paid a 20% allowance.

• Read the full original of Luyolo Mkentane’s report on the above at SowetanLive

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