The National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) is preparing for mass action it describes as the "the mother of all battles" in the plastics and engineering sectors. In correspondence seen by Business Day, Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim urged regional secretaries to undertake a "fighting campaign involving every factory to defend collective bargaining and improve workers’ wages". This, as the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) warns of "dysfunctionalities" in SA’s collective bargaining system. Acting senior commissioner for mediation and collective bargaining Shimane Kgantse told a mining forum last week that the practice was characterised by lengthy wage negotiations and protracted industrial action that is marred by intimidation and violence and challenges negotiated outcomes. "For the past 15 to 16 years, we are still negotiating in the same manner, nothing has changed, it means that we are not learning anything," he said. Numsa represents about 120...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.