Numsa rejects final offer

The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) said the wage increase offer made to striking National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) members in the steel sector last week was its final offer.

“The proposed increase is 5% across the board for artisans and 6% for general labourers. We have nothing more to add to the offer we’ve made to Numsa. We are confident that this offer is fair, equitable and sustainable,” said Lucio Trentini, Seifsa chief executive, on Friday.

The offer was rejected by Numsa members on Thursday.

Irvin Jim, Numsa general secretary, said while members are prepared to settle on 6%, the union demands the increase be calculated on what businesses actually pay workers and not the minimum rates as set by the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council Main Agreement.

The minimum is currently R49.55 per hour.

But Trentini said the industry could not afford to pay wage increases calculated on actual rates of pay because many companies are struggling to survive. –