PROPOSED SETTLEMENT
Relief in sight as metals sector strike may be averted
The dreaded potential strike in the metals and engineering sector seems to have been averted, with trade unions and employers said to be edging closer to a deal. The majority of the employers in the sector and all trade unions will meet on Thursday to finalise details of a proposed settlement agreement that could see negotiations come to an end by next week. Analysts said that industrial action would have crippled the South African economy even more because of the significance of the engineering sector in many other industries, such as construction and mining. Johan van Niekerk, of trade union United Association of SA, said they were positive about the direction of the talks. "We are of the opinion that if the offer that was given to us provisionally is confirmed tomorrow [Thursday], then the wage negotiations might be over," he said.
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