MBSA workers end strike
Many pleased with pay offer
MERCEDES-BENZ workers yesterday unanimously decided to go back to work on Monday after a three-week strike.
MBSA spokeswoman Lynette Skriker would not divulge details regarding compensation of workers, but said the offer would be “fully aligned” with the proposal from the automotive industry bargaining council.
Speaking after a meeting held yesterday, workers said they had agreed to a once-off payment of R2 225 and an increase of 10% this year. “We are happy to take a decision to go back to work,” said an employee.
Another staffer said the 10% hike would come into effect this year while for the next two years it would be 8.5%.
Workers were also promised a bonus of R3 500 in October if they finish the W204 vehicle production in a seven-week period. They have been asked to work a 10-hour shift to make up for lost time.
“We are behind in production,” said another worker.
For three weeks, thousands of National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) members have engaged in a protected strike demanding a 14% wage increase.
The employers, through the Automobile Manufacturers Employers Organisation (Ameo) said they were willing to give workers 10% for the next three years but the union rejected that, wanting at least 13% over three years.
But MBSA workers said they were tired of the strike and wanted to go back to work.
The 25 000 Numsa workers also demanded transport money, a housing subsidy and better medical aid incentives while last week Numsa national treasurer Mphumzi Maqungo said they also wanted equal pay for workers across the assembly lines at the various motor manufacturers.
Companies affected by the strike included MercedesBenz, General Motors, Nissan, Ford, BMW and Volkswagen. — bonganif@dispatch.co.za/ siyam@dispatch.co.za