“But despite this we managed to secure higher wages in particular for garage workers who are the lowest paid in the sector.”
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa said it had signed a three-year agreement in the motor industries bargaining council which would see some workers getting annual wage increases of up to eight percent.
It a statement Numsa said the sector employed about 306 000 workers in components companies, fuel stations and car dealerships.
Under the deal, garage workers and those in dealerships will get a salary hike of eight percent in the first year, effective from this month, and a seven percent rise for the second and third years respectively.
Workers in the component manufacturers sector will get a high pay increase of 7.5 percent in the first year and seven percent for the second and third.
All other employees will get a six percent wage hike for the first year and 5.5 percent for the second and third year, with all increases based on the minimum rates of pay.
“This round of wage talks was extremely tough because of the challenges faced in the economy,” Numsa said.
“But despite this we managed to secure higher wages in particular for garage workers who are the lowest paid in the sector.”
