PHILLIP NKOSI, Middleburg | Thursday 10.00am.
THE month-long strike at Columbus Stainless steel company in Middelburg was called off on Wednesday in a deal with the National Union of Metalworkers of SA.
Columbus said Numsa accepted a two-year agreement for a 7,3% increase across the board, plus 0,3% based on individual performance for this year. “In terms of this, top performers can get a wage increase of 7,6%,” said the statement.
The company said increases for next year will be based 90% on inflation, plus 1% for individual performance. Should company targets be reached, an additional 0,5% will be paid.
National Numsa co-ordinator Steven Nhlapho said on Wednesday that the union had not yet agreed to the 0,5%, but he noted that Columbus agreed to a full time shop steward for the union. He added: “Payment for the shop steward is an outstanding issue that needs to be discussed.”
From the time the strike by 500 Numsa workers began on July 12, Columbus pointed out that three other recognised unions at the plant settled for a 7,1% increase, plus 0,5% for performance. Nhlapho also said the company agreed to drop trespass charges against some of the 150 strikers arrested for various offences.
Columbus spokesman Laing Geldenhuys said it is up to the state to decide whether to proceed with other charges, including public violence and damage to property. – African Eye News Service