The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has agreed to a 6.5 percent wage increase across the board-on basic pay and allowances for its members at ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA).
Numsa embarked on a two-week strike demanding a 10% wage hike at AMSA, the country’s largest steel maker.
“The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa is pleased to announce that it has signed an above-inflation increase for all workers at AMSA,” said Numsa spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola.
Hlubi-Majola said the employer started by offering zero per cent, and they have moved significantly to achieve this result.
“This agreement is a victory for all NUMSA members who made the ultimate sacrifice to fight for improved wages and conditions. They did not do this only for themselves, but also, for future generations of workers as well,” she said.
The agreement translates to a 6.5 percent increase in allowances including the acting allowance, housing allowance, retention allowance, compulsory overtime allowance, pension allowance, shift allowance and standby allowance.
“To achieve an above-inflation increase during the covid-19 pandemic is a major achievement and it would not have been possible without them. We also wish to thank Numsa officials for working extremely hard to secure this deal on behalf of employees,” added Hlubi-Majola.
