adminDAMAGING strike action continues in South Africa’s metals and engineering sectors this week after political demands were blamed at the weekend for preventing a settlement. No formal meetings have been scheduled between the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and employers.
Employers in Gauteng are expected to shutter their businesses on Monday, after widespread violence, intimidation and property damage were reported last week in a strike that has hit South Africa’s manufacturing sector and led to warnings it could severely affect economic growth.
There is also risk of further rating downgrades after rating agency Moody’s warned last week the strike and a weak investment climate were negative for South Africa’s creditworthiness.
About 220 000 Numsa members downed tools last week, demanding a double-digit wage increase, among other things. No further meetings were scheduled after last week’s between Numsa and the two largest employer federations in the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council, while bilateral meetings between employers and five other unions are set to continue.
Employer body the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa (Seifsa) revised its offer last week, expressing disappointment that Numsa had rejected numerous employer concessions. — Business Day.
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