Numsa rejects latest wage offer from the Engineering Sector
The National Union of Metalworkers South Africa (Numsa) has urged employers in the engineering sector to up its wage offer to bring an end to the national strike that’s now in its third week.
Workers in the engineering sector downed tools, originally demanding an 8% wage increase.
Employers are now offering 6% and although they agree with unions on the percentage, Numsa says their members demand a 6% increase of their actual pay.
“We urge all employer associations to come to the table and settle on 6% on the actual rates of pay, or based on what workers are actually earning, instead of 6% on the minimum rate so that we can put an end to the strike,” says Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola.
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The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has since appointed commissioners to assist in the mediation process.
“The CCMA will be mediating between parties in an attempt to assist with resolving the strike. All unions, NUMSA, Solidarity, MEWUSA, UASA and SAEWA are participating in talks with employer associations SAEFA, NEASA and the CEO," adds Hlubi-Majola.
“SEIFSA is the only employer association which is not part of the mediation because it is hopeful it can settle the strike with us outside of this process. The meeting with CCMA is expected to be held on Wednesday.”
