NUMSA secures wage increases in motor sector deal
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has signed a new three-year wage deal in the motor sector.
The deal secured above-inflation increases and, for the first time, primary healthcare benefits for garage workers.
The agreement, signed with employer bodies represented by the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and the Fuel Retailers Association (FRA), covers more than 300-thousand workers across the Motor Industries Bargaining Council.
This includes employees at petrol stations, car dealerships, tyre shops, vehicle body builders and component manufacturers.
NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola described the settlement as a major victory for workers, saying it both shields wages from inflation and tackles long-standing inequalities.
"We are very proud of this agreement because not only did we secure wage increases above inflation, but we also won access to healthcare for garage workers who have historically been among the lowest paid in the sector."
The deal, effective from 1 September, guarantees increases of between 4% and 6% across different sub-sectors, along with improved overtime rates and better sick, accident, death and maternity fund benefits.
For the first time, forecourt attendants and other garage workers will be eligible for a primary healthcare allowance, set to be rolled out by January 2026 once administrative processes are complete.
"This is historic. It lays the foundation for dignity and better living conditions, ensuring that petrol attendants and cashiers are no longer left behind when it comes to access to quality private healthcare," Hlubi-Majola added.
The union has urged the government to move quickly to endorse the deal.
"We call on the Minister of Labour to gazette this agreement without delay, so that even non-parties to the bargaining council can benefit. Workers deserve to feel the impact of this hard-fought deal immediately," Hlubi-Majola said.
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