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Johannesburg - The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) announced on Thursday that it will commence an indefinite strike in the motor industry in less than two weeks.
Numsa represents 70 000 employees working in the industry, comprising garages, components and workshops.
Numsa General-Secretary Irvin Jim said the union planned to serve a 48-hour notice of strike on the Retailers Motor Industry (RMI) and Fuel Retailers Association (FRA) on August 28 and start the industrial action on September 1.
The union on Wednesday served a notice to the tyre and rubber sector and will resume the strike on August 30. Numsa is demanding a 15% wage hike, while employers are offering only 6.6%.
Jim said Numsa regarded the current offer as "an insult and indeed a serious provocation".
Numsa, Jim said, urges employers to move with speed and make a "meaningful offer" before the end of August.
"We are compelled to use our democratic and constitutional rights to embark on a protracted strike action in order to apply pressure," Jim said.
Ahead of the planned strike, Numsa said it had organised marches across the country for August 21.
"Already, preparations for these rolling mass actions are in place and the employers should brace themselves for a 'Red Saturday' festival of militant action by workers," Jim said.
The planned strike in the motor industry threatens to add to the ongoing industrial action in the automotive industry.
Last Wednesday, about 31 000 workers in the vehicle manufacturing sector downed tools, stalling production for domestic vehicle manufacturers.