The steep increase is despite the treasury’s decision extend the reduction in the general fuel levy by 75 cents a litre
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) said on Tuesday that a sector strike is set for next week.
"Seventy-two-thousand workers… [at] petrol stations, components, automotive retail, panel-beaters, car and spare parts, fitment workshops, truck body and trailer builders, and dealerships will be downing tools [on] September 2," Numsa spokesperson Castro Ngobese said in a statement.
Talks in July failed to resolve an impasse between Numsa and employers, Ngobese said.
"The first phases of the wage negotiations began on the week of May 28 … It was during the last phase of negotiations that a deadlock was declared by Numsa."
The union demanded a R30 per hour increase across the board on actual rates of pay in all sectors and divisions for workers earning above R6 000 per month by 2016, among other things.
"Our demands should be located and understood within the context of escalating cost[s] of living and transport, amid the triple crisis."
Ngobese said a number of marches and demonstrations were planned for next week in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal. – Sapa