The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has secured an 18% wage increase for the lowest-paid workers at Bidvest South Africa Container Depot (SACD).
The union’s general secretary Irvin Jim said Numsa was the only union with the right to negotiate, representing over 150 workers at Bidvest SACD out of about 250 staff.
“We were on the verge of a strike at Bidvest because we had already deadlocked, and we were preparing to get a strike certificate. However, during the conciliation with the CCMA, we were able to find one another and avert a strike.
“The major success which we achieved is that Numsa negotiated for 32 workers, who were earning R7289 per month and were graded A1, to be converted to A3.
“We were able to point out that because this group of workers were doing the same work as workers in grade A3, their salaries should be the same because the responsibilities and duties are similar,” Jim said on Wednesday night.
He said the deal had the potential of collapsing Grade A1 in order for workers to be converted to A3, which resulted in their wages being increased by 18% for the first year of the agreement.
“They will have their wages increased every year for the next three years until their salaries match up to A3 workers, who are currently earning R12 028. This is a major achievement for the union.”
He said the union’s achievement could be broken down as follows:
– Secured a 6% increase across the board for the rest of the workforce.
– Other employment conditions and benefits remain unchanged.
– A National Forum will be set up within 6 months of signing the agreement to deal with company PPE, medical aid and company transport.
– The settlement agreement is valid for one year, from July 1 this year until June 30, 2025.
The agreement and the increases secured would apply to all workers at Bidvest.
“This is why it is important that all employees at Bidvest must join Numsa in their numbers because we are a militant union that has a proven track record for improving the benefits and conditions for the working class.
“Numsa continues to be a sword and a shield for workers and their families because we always fight for a living wage.”
The Star