Numsa declares dispute over levy agreements

The National Union of Metalworkers SA has declared a dispute with employers over the extension of levy agreements to non-party members.

Johannesburg - The National Union of Metalworkers SA (Numsa) has declared a dispute with employers over the extension of levy agreements to non-party members at the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC).

The union, which holds most of labour seats in the council, said on Tuesday evening it plans to fight employers to the bitter end.

The dispute was sparked by employers’ organisations, which include the National Employers’ Association of SA and the SA Engineers and Founders Association, refusing to agree to the extension of levy agreements to non-party members. They lapsed on Monday.

Employers have also refused to give a go-ahead to the council’s budget which included an 18% increase in levies for 2016/17 financial year.

This development has left MEIBC general secretary Thulani Mthiyane concerned that his office would now operate without 20% to 30% of its income from July 1.

The council oversees a number of labour issues including wage agreements and disputes.

“It will continue to operate, but funding will be greatly depleted. Employers didn't even want to agree to an extension of the agreement for a few months,” said Mthiyane.

The council has not received an increase since 2011.

A management committee meeting (Manco) held last week between the union and employers could not reach an agreement on the council’s budget.

Mthiyane said instead the employer associations demanded a forensic audit, the creation of an oversight committee and an urgent AGM.

Numsa’s engineering sector coordinator Vusi Mabho said they hoped to resolve the dispute at a meeting on July 29.

If that meeting failed to come up with a plan, Mthiyane said Numsa would issue a certificate of non-resolution.

Members would then decide whether to embark in protest action.

Labour Bureau