The strike in the motor-components industry is expected to come to an end on Tuesday evening when a wage agreement between the National Union of Metalworkers’ of South Africa (Numsa) and the Retail Motor Industry (RMI) will be signed.
RMI spokesperson Jakkie Olivier said the strike will end when the two parties sign a wage agreement at 6pm in Randburg.
”We had a meeting with the union on Saturday and it was decided we would meet at 6pm tonight [Tuesday].
”We have no reason to believe that the strike will not end. The strike will officially come to an end today and workers will be back at work tomorrow [Wednesday],” said Olivier.
About 49 000 workers in the motor-components industry downed tools in September 12 over pay increases. Numsa demanded a 9% increase, and a minimum wage of R2 200 a month or R509 a week.
The RMI offered a raise of between 8,5% and 10% based on workers’ grading.
Earlier on Tuesday, Numsa spokesperson Mziwakhe Hlangani said the two parties would meet at noon. He said union members were being briefed on the contents of the agreement.
”The agreement entails a 8% to 10% wage increment for workers,” he said.
Hlangani was not immediately available for comment.
Meanwhile, General Motors South Africa vice-president for human resources Chris Thexton said he was disappointed at the continuation of the strike.
”The seriousness of the situation cannot be stressed enough … right now, the future of the automotive assembly and component industries in South Africa is in the hands of the union and their members.
”We appeal for reason to prevail and for both labour and business to commit to constructive relations,” he said. – Sapa