Engineering News reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) on Tuesday voiced its “disappointment” after a meeting with employers in the motor retail and components sector failed to break a deadlock in wage negotiations.  

Numsa met with the Fuel Retailers Association, Retail Motor Industry Organisation and the National Employers Association of SA on Monday in the hope that the Dispute Resolution Committee of the Motor Industries Bargaining Council would be able to assist in breaking the impasse.  However, no agreement was reached.  “The burning issue is the peace clause which locks us into a wage deal of three years, and in that time, we are unable to negotiate benefits and conditions until the agreement expires,” the union indicated.  Among its demands, Numsa is requesting a transport allowance for fuel station workers.  It is also seeking a 12% increase in wages, as well as a review of the peace clause.  Employers, meanwhile, have proposed a 5% a year increase in wages over a three-year wage agreement.  Mediation will resume between the unions and employers on 23 September under the auspices of the CCMA.

• Read the full original of the above report at Engineering News

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page