Share

Neasa continues lock-out

Johannesburg - Some of the National Employers' Association of SA's (Neasa) members are continuing their lock-out of workers who participated in the recent metal industry strike, it said on Wednesday.

"We are still continuing with the lock-out because our demands have not been looked at," spokesperson Sya van der Walt-Potgieter said.

"It is not compulsory, but for our members who can afford to continue."

She said a survey done last week showed 40% of Neasa's members participated in the lock-out. That number had gone down because many could not afford to continue. New figures had not been compiled yet.

"The number has gone down. Those who have alternative employees will continue."

Last month, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) threatened to take Neasa to court if it did not suspend the lock-out of its members.

At the time Van der Walt-Potgieter said the lock-out was legal and enjoyed the same constitutional protection as the right to strike.

On July 29, six unions in the metals and engineering sector signed a wage deal with most employers. Neasa refused to sign, saying it had been sidelined in the negotiations facilitated by the labour department.

As a result, Neasa, which had 22 members and employed about 70 000 workers, continued its lock-out.

Over 200 000 Numsa members in the metal and engineering sector downed tools on July 1, demanding a salary increase of 12%, down from their pre-strike demand of 15%. They then revised their demand to 10%.

They demanded a R1 000 housing allowance and a total ban on labour brokers.

In terms of the new wage deal, workers would get increases of between eight and 10 percent, depending on whether they were high or low earners.

On Wednesday, Van der Walt-Potgieter said no formal negotiations were taking place at the moment and Neasa continued to engage with its lawyers.

A Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council meeting was held on Friday where unions tried to force parties who did not sign the wage agreement to comply.

"We said we won't be intimidated," she said.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.91
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.43
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.2%
Platinum
910.50
+1.5%
Palladium
1,011.50
+1.0%
Gold
2,221.35
+1.2%
Silver
24.87
+0.9%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.8%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.8%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders