The first round of wage negotiations between the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and the Automobile Manufacturers Employers Organisation (Ameo) reached a stalemate on Friday.
Numsa has accused the employer organisation of offering a “shameful” CPIX 4,4% wage increase to all workers at vehicle manufacturing companies and rejecting all other demands.
The parties are expected to meet again this Friday.
The union is demanding a guaranteed wage hike of 15% across the board and a three-year wage agreement.
Numsa also demands that training take place during working hours and 100% payment of maternity leave.
The union also said for every artisan there must be four apprentices and that staff working through labour brokers be employed permanently after three months.
Among other demands the union wants bonuses to be calculated at 11%, the provision of anti-retroviral drugs to employees living with HIV/Aids and a requirement for 30 days’ sick leave.
Numsa added that it is disappointed that the employers failed to live up to expectations and keep to the promises of negotiating in good faith.
“Now that inflation has popped its head at lower levels, the union cannot accept an increase lower than 15%. The employer organisation is acting in aberration of the previous informal meetings and has found itself in the invidious position of not wanting to give a better increase.
“Ameo is falling out of line with their promises of settling wage talks amicably without any industrial action. The response of the employers has not been dignified and rational.”
The union has vowed to press hard for employers to increase the offer in the next round of wage talks. — I-Net Bridge