Numsa mulling over proposals says RMI

"The Numsa leadership is meeting their structures [on Monday] to consider our proposals," the Retail Motor Industry's (RMI) chief executive Jakkie Olivier said.

The last meeting between employers and the union took place on Sunday (29 September) night as a strike by Numsa members entered its fourth week.

Numsa could not be reached for comment.

SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) chief executive Neren Rau said the chamber was worried about the economic impact of the strike.

"Sacci is concerned by the refusal of Numsa to commit to a collective bargaining agreement that would return the motor industry operations to normal," Rau said, adding that harmonious industrial relations were required if South Africa hoped to build its motor manufacturing industry.

"Irresponsible acts by the unions were more likely to lead to disinvestment," he warned. "It is because of this acrimony that South Africa's international rankings in industrial relations have fallen to the bottom of the list."

Rau said Sacci intended to write to Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant to ask for protection from intimidation for all employees who wanted to go to work.

Estimates are that the vehicle manufacturing strike has cost the South African economy about R20bn.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge