A possible metal workers and automotive industry strike is still on the table as disputes between the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) remain unresolved following negotiations held recently.
Jakkie Olivier, chief executive of the RMI, said: “Neither of the parties made any progress on the core issues that led to the dispute.”
The RMI represents 19 000 businesses that collectively employ 300 000 people.
“Both parties have agreed to attend a mediation of the dispute by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), with two sessions to be confirmed for next month,” said Olivier.
He added that the next step – should the mediator conclude that there was no chance of resolving the dispute – was for the CCMA to issue a certificate of non-resolution.
“This would allow Numsa to give employers 48 hours’ notice of strike action,” Olivier said.
Numsa’s demands include a 20% wage increase, a R5 000-a-month housing allowance, and medical benefits to be paid on the basis of 80% by employers and 20% by employees.
