Numsa close to signing wage deal

THE striking National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) said yesterday it would take the latest offer from the main employers' group to its members today, possibly ending a week-old stoppage that has hit car manufacturers.

A Numsa spokesman did not elaborate on the offer, but the Labour Department said the two sides were "very close" to securing a deal.

"The differences are in terms of fractions," department spokesman Mokgadi Pela said.

The strike by more than 200000 Numsa members, asking for increases of between 12 and 15%, follows a crippling five-month walkout by platinum miners.

Separately, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) warned yesterday that Eskom was "sitting on a time bomb" for not allowing employees to strike, signalling workers there might embark on an unofficial stoppage.

The NUM, which represents about 16000 workers at Eskom, has already rejected a 5.6% wage offer and is demanding 12%.

"If doctors can strike in South Africa, why can't Eskom workers strike?" NUM general secretary Frans Baleni told a news conference.

Baleni said the workers, who are not allowed to strike as they are deemed to provide an essential service, were angry.

"Anything is possible at Eskom. If workers decide to react in various forms including an unprotected strike, we cannot be blamed," he said. – Reuters