South African Tyre Manufacturing Strike Continues

South Africa’s tyre manufacturing sector strike has failed to reach a settlement despite previous high hopes. Workers have already accepted the proposed wage increase offer but have not been able to reach an agreement with employers on issues related to contract work and employees’ benefits.

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and the Employers Association have met to find a resolution to the strike, however Numsa provincial secretary Irvin Jim reports that a new complication has arisen. “At the eleventh hour, employers approached negotiations with a new demand. They want to secure a three-year agreement. We were forced as a union to place on the table what we demand on wages for the next two years, which is 8 per cent for the next year and 8.5 per cent for the third year.

“Under these circumstances we think it is time that we remain very strong and solid. The strike must continue because we can’t sell-out for the second and third year.”