10 October, 2013A strike by Numsa members in the motor sector ended, whilst a strike in the coal sector was averted by the NUM. Both unions negotiated above inflation wage increases that were satisfactory to members.
Numsa members in the motor component sector achieved a 10 per cent wage increase, with 8 per cent in year two and again in year three. The three year agreement brought to an end the four week long strike on 6 October.
The demand put forward by the NUM in the coal sector was for a 60 per cent wage increase for entry level workers and 15 per cent for skilled workers. The offer made by employers in the Chamber of Mines of 7.5 per cent for entry level workers and 7 per cent for skilled workers was rejected by the NUM and a dispute was declared.
Employers in the coal sector then made individual two year wage increase offers ranging from 11 per cent for entry level workers to 8 per cent for skilled workers, including miners and artisans. If workers did not agree with the revised offer tabled, then a strike would have resulted. After a week of consultation with members, the NUM accepted the offers at the end of September and the strike was averted.