NUMSA is on strike at ArcelorMittal SA
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) is on strike at Arcelor Mittal, which is under heavy pressure due to escalating losses and no bright prospects in the short term. At the heart of the dispute, NUMSA claims, is the fact that Arcelor Mittal abuses workers through labour brokers.
NUMSA key demand is that Arcelor Mittal must permanently employ all workers presently employed by the contractors who render their services to Arcelor Mittal. The offer of employment must be on the same conditions of service and hold the same benefits as are applicable to employees of Arcelor Mittal.
The strike will affect all Arcelor Mittal operations in Vanderbijlpark.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) demands were as follows:
- 11% wage increase across the board
- 1-year agreement
- An increase in the medical aid contribution from 60% to 80%
- A 1% increase in the provident fund contribution
- A ban on labour brokers. All outsourced workers must be insourced, specifically those who work for labour brokers Excal, Scholts Transport, Workforce and Realtree.
NUMSA says that Arcelor Mittal has responded with the following offer:
- 7.5% for lowest paid worker
- 6.5% for highest paid worker
- 6.3% for directors and 6% for management
- 6.5% increase on the company contribution to medical aid
NUMSA rejects this offer because our members feel the offer made by the employer will not make an impact on their lives. NUMSA claims members are struggling under the burden of the VAT increase, as well as the negative impact of the fuel hikes.
The offer made by the company does not go far enough in addressing these immediate and pressing concerns for workers and their families.
