More than 20 000 workers are to get average wage hikes of 7,5% thanks to a deal signed by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and the Automobile Manufacturers Employers’ Organisation.
The agreement, signed in Pretoria after three months’ negotiations, allows workers to qualify themselves through study assistance schemes, the union said in a statement on Wednesday.
All workers will have access to health insurance or medical-aid membership, and adult basic education will take place during working hours at no cost to the worker.
Employees on maternity leave will be paid their full salary for four months, Numsa said.
Wage increases will be backdated to July 1.
”We were able to seal the deal without any conflict for the first time in the history of the industry,” the statement said. — Sapa