South Africa’s metalworking union is to deliberate the latest proposals by the country’s auto employers association this afternoon (28 August), in a bid to end the huge strike that has paralysed production for eight days.
The Automotive Employers Association (AMEO) has been mediating in the dispute between the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and the manufacturers, with a revised offer thought to be in the region of 10%, coupled with a package of unspecified new proposals.
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“We have offered a proposal to the workers, which comprises several items,” AMEO chairman, Thapelo Molapo, told just-auto from Johannesburg. “Just to say 10% is a bit of an understatement.
“The proposal now tabled goes now to the leaders of NUMSA and then they have to go through an extensive process of engaging with the workers. We have decided not to go into details.
“We are at a very sensitive stage of this negotiation and we can’t afford to compromise the integrity of the proposal.”
Molapo added he had been made aware NUMSA was looking to make an announcement later today regarding the new proposals, which if confirmed, would be a step up from the 8% originally offered by the employers, but which would fall short of the 14% the union is requesting.
There is also the possibility both sides could meet today in Johannesburg to discuss union reaction to the new offer that has seen the walkout last more than a week.
“It [strike] costs the industry R600m [US$58m] a day – it is a huge amount and it costs the workers themselves – workers are losing R50m,” said Molapo.
“It is a huge dent on our credibility, on our manufacturing base. It takes a long time to build reputation.”
NUMSA previously maintained to just-auto there were 31,000 staff on strike, although AMEO countered this figure was 17,000.
The union was not immediately available for comment.
