Minister intervenes in motor strike

Mildred Oliphant (Image: GCIS)

Ministerial spokesman Musa Zondi confirmed she was meeting employers and the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa).

Fuel Retailers Association's chief executive Reggie Sibiya expressed optimism about the meeting. "We are coming with an open ear to hear what the minister has to say. We appreciate her intervention," Sibiya said.

He could not disclose where the meeting was taking place.

Another round of talks between the employers and Numsa were scheduled for Wednesday (25 September). Sibiya said that meeting was still set to continue.

The strike began on 9 September with Numsa demanding a double-digit percentage increase for all workers in the sector.

Workers want an across-the-board increase of R30 an hour by 2016 on actual rates of pay in all sectors and divisions for workers earning above R6,000 a month. The workers have laid down additional demands over and above the increased wages.

Numsa has rejected a revised wage offer of 7.5 percent. About 70,000 workers are reported to be on strike countrywide.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge