By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has announced it has agreed to an above-inflation wage increase on behalf of 90 000 members in the motor industry.
The deal, effective from 1 September, guarantees increases of between 4% and 6% across different sub-sectors, along with improved overtime rates and better sick, accident, death and maternity fund benefits.
Consumer price inflation rose 3.5% in July from a year earlier, data from the statistics agency show. Central bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago earlier this month said he expects inflation to pick up in the coming months before returning to around 3% in the medium term.
Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola described the settlement as a major victory for workers, saying it both shields wages from inflation and tackles long-standing inequalities.
“We are very proud of this agreement because not only did we secure wage increases above inflation, but we also won access to healthcare for garage workers who have historically been among the lowest paid in the sector.”
For the first time, forecourt attendants and other garage workers will be eligible for a primary healthcare allowance, set to be rolled out by January 2026 once administrative processes are complete.
“This is historic. It lays the foundation for dignity and better living conditions, ensuring that petrol attendants and cashiers are no longer left behind when it comes to access to quality private healthcare,” Hlubi-Majola added.
The union has urged the government to move quickly to endorse the deal.
“We call on the Minister of Labour to gazette this agreement without delay, so that even non-parties to the bargaining council can benefit. Workers deserve to feel the impact of this hard-fought deal immediately,” Hlubi-Majola said.
The motor industry employs 300 000 people who fall under the Motor Industries Bargaining Council and comprises component-manufacturing companies, fuel stations, car dealerships, tire shops, after-market sales, glass-fitting centers, car cleaning, car parts assembly and panel-beating workshops.
Employer organisations that are part of the council include the Fuel Retailers Association and the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, Numsa said.