WATCH: NUMSA spokesperson on looming motor sector strike
With employers in the South African motor sector failing to compromise, a NUMSA-led strike looks increasingly likely.
National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa
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NUMSA National Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola explains the impasse in the Motor sector and the fact that the union is gearing up for a “total shutdown” with a motor sector strike looming.
The union is finalising its picketing rules ahead of the impending strikes in the motor sector following deadlocks in negotiations between the unions and the motor industry. Numsa represents at least 90 000 of over 300 000 workers in the sector.
Employers maintain that they are only prepared to offer 4% increase across the board. Workers are demanding a 12% across the board increase on top of night shift allowances to keep up with inflation and cost of living increases.
NUMSA has already engaged with employers in the motor sector including Retail Motor Industries (RMI) and the Fuel Retail Association (FRA) under the Motor Industries Bargaining Council (MICO).
These engagements have failed to result in the desired compromise from employers.
NUMSA said a strike could not be avoided as the employers had not made any new offers or compromised on their stance.
Irvin Jim said, “Our members in the motor sector are struggling because of the extreme high cost of living. Numsa represents some of the lowest-paid workers who are garage workers and earn R21 per hour, and the proposal made by the employer is simply not good enough. FRA is offering 4%across the board. What is 4% increase for garage workers earning R21 per hour? This is not a living wage. We are fighting so that workers earn decent wages and can live a decent life.”
“That is why we are demanding 12% increase across the board and night shift allowances for garage workers because because there is no safe and reliable public transportation when they knock off late at night, or when they start their shifts early in the morning. The demands made by our members are about survival because they are struggling to survive and get through the day on such low wages.”
Visit the NUMSA site here.
