The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has agreed to a 7.5% wage increase in the Tyre sector. The agreement was signed between the union and the New Tyre Manufacturing Employers Association (NTMEA). The association was represented by Bridgestone South Africa, Conti Tech Africa, Continental Tyres South Africa, Sumitumo Rubber South Africa and Goodyear South Africa and they represent at least 3200 workers in the bargaining forum. Numsa General Secretary Irvin Jim said it was a three-year agreement starting from 1 July 2022 and expires on the 30th of June 2025. It applies to all workers in the bargaining unit from level 1 to level 7 and would be extended to workers who are not represented by trade unions. The wages will be backdated to 1 July 2022. The agreement is broken down in the following way:
1. Wages will be increased over three years, 7.5% increase for year one, 6% increase for year two and 6% increase for year three.
2. During the three-year period of the agreement workers will be moved from the minimum up to the maximum of their grade.
3. Where employees are required to work a short time, each worker will receive 50% of basic pay or payment for the number of hours worked.
4. Where more favourable conditions exist at the plant level these shall continue to apply.
“The signing of this agreement is another example of how NUMSA improves the lives of workers and their families. We will always strive for above-inflation increases because we are keenly aware of the fact that the working class are the creators of wealth and therefore, they must share in the wealth. We call on workers to join NUMSA in their numbers because we are a sword and a spear which fights to improve the lives of workers and their families,” Jim said.