What Is the Agreement between Numsa and Seifsa

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) recently reached an agreement after months of negotiations. The agreement, which was brokered by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA), is aimed at ending a strike that had been ongoing for several weeks in the metal and engineering sector.

The agreement between NUMSA and SEIFSA includes a number of key provisions. One of the most significant is a 5.4% increase in wages for workers in the sector. This increase is backdated to July 1, 2021, and will remain in effect until June 30, 2022. Additionally, workers who earn less than R15,000 per month will receive a once-off payment of R1,000.

The agreement also includes a number of other benefits for workers. For example, workers who have been employed in the industry for more than 10 years will receive an extra two days` leave per year. The agreement also provides for improved training opportunities for workers, as well as greater access to healthcare and other benefits.

In exchange for these concessions, NUMSA has agreed to end the strike and withdraw all its demands. The union has also agreed to a number of other provisions, including a commitment to work with SEIFSA to address concerns about productivity and competitiveness in the sector.

Overall, the agreement between NUMSA and SEIFSA represents a significant victory for workers in the metal and engineering sector. It provides for meaningful improvements to wages and working conditions, while also addressing important concerns about productivity and competitiveness. While there are still challenges to be faced in the industry, this agreement represents an important step forward for both workers and employers.