Numsa Warns of Possible Wage Strike in Auto Sector
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has warned that workers in the auto sector could go on strike if the deadlock in wage talks is not resolved.
Union members have rejected the auto industry’s wage proposal of a 6.5% increase for the first year and 5% for the following two years. Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola argued that the offer is insufficient to sustain workers' basic needs, given rising living costs.
"This offer on the table constitutes a serious provocation; it is an insult given that the auto sector is the leading sector in both the auto industry and the manufacturing sector in terms of backward and forward linkages,"
said Hlubi-Majola. Other issues that parties still need to iron out include medical aid, gratuity bonus, and service leave.
The South African automotive sector generated R270.8 billion from vehicle and component exports in 2023, while its overall contribution to the nation's GDP was around 5.2% in 2024.
Author's summary: Numsa warns of a possible strike in the auto sector over wage disputes.