NUMSA threatens strike action over ‘abuse’ of fuel station workers

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has condemned employer organisations led by the Fuel Retailers Association of Southern Africa (FRA) and the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) for refusing to engage meaningfully with wage demands.

Numsa unhappy with “paltry” wage increase offer

In a statement in which it warned of a possible strike, the union said it was demanding a 12% wage increase, across the board for workers, but employers were only offering “paltry” 5% increase.

“The FRA and the RMI are employer members of Motor Industries Bargaining Council, (MIBCO) and they represent fuel stations owners and operators, who are one of the most abusive and exploitative in the sector,” said NUMSA.

“As part of wage talks within MIBCO, our members who work in the fuel stations are demanding a night shift and transport allowance as provided for in the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), but employers are refusing to even engage on this issue.

“Our members work awkward hours and often have to travel to work either very early in the morning, or very late at night, at times when public transportation is often unavailable.”

NUMSA

Trials and tribulations faced by fuel station workers

NUMSA said men and women who work at petrol stations are often forced to walk long distances in the dark and are at risk of muggings and sexual assault.

“Bosses often do not provide alternative transportation to workers, and our members risk their lives getting to and from work,” said the statement.

“We condemn these employer bodies for turning a deaf ear to this just demand for night shift and transport allowances.”

NUMSA

NUMSA said workers in this sector are also the most poorly paid.

“They cannot afford to pay for alternative transportation on such meagre salaries.”

NUMSA said its members are insisting on a settlement which is not less favorable than the 2016-2019 agreement.

Agreement is necessary for any bonus to take effect

The agreement in the industry expires on the 31 August 2019, and in the absence of the agreement workers will not receive their increases.

“We will be meeting with employers in the MIBCO on the 29th of August 2019 in a last-ditch attempt to resolve the impasse. If this fails, unfortunately, we will be headed for strike action in the motor sector,” said the statement from the union.

“We call on employers to work with us so that we can avoid strike action, especially as this will be detrimental to our economy.”

NUMSA

– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Moses Mudzwiti