Auto sector workers to return to work

Members of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA in the auto sector would return to work on Monday, the union said.

   

"The NEC members have taken a decision to end the strike. We call on all members to return to work on September 9," general secretary Irvin Jim said on Sunday.

   

The strike saw production lines at major vehicle manufacturers that included Toyota, BMW and Nissan shut down and production halted.

   

Workers at Toyota in Durban and BMW in Pretoria were unhappy with the offer, Jim said.

   

Workers at Toyota had secured a R3,25 adjustment last year, and now wanted more, said Jim.

   

At BMW, the employees, who had already embarked on a strike before the rest of the industry joined in, demanded that their shift allowance be increased.

   

"Numsa office bearers are working with our members at Toyota and BMW to accept the offer," said Jim.

   

The deal included an 11.5 percent for 2013, 10 percent for 2014 and 2015, a R1200 transport allowance per annum, a 70 percent medical allowance and a R750 housing allowance.

   

-Sapa