WORKERS affiliated with the National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa) will be smiling all the way to the bank after they received a once-off payment of R2500 ‘sweetener’ from Hulamin.
The money will be paid by 3 November.
The union also secured a 7.25 percent increase following negotiations with the manufacturing company specialising in rolled aluminum products.
The agreement was negotiated under the auspices of the Metals and Engineering and Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC).
"We then held general meetings and the majority of the members mandated us to accept the proposal from the employer," said Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim.
Jim said this was a one-year agreement that is applicable from 1 July 2022 and expires on 30 June 2023.
In all the workers will get the following:
* An across-the-board (ATB) increase of 7.25%
* A housing allowance of R536.
* A R214 increase in medical aid contributions.
* Tool Allowance for artisans will increase by R150 rand for the duration of the wage agreement. Thereafter the Tool Allowance will increase in line with the ATB increase.
*Workers will receive a lump sum payment of the back pay which will be paid by 3 November 2022 which will be subject to tax.
* A once-off payment of R2500 ‘sweetener’ will be paid to workers which will be paid by the 3 November 2022.
* Short Term Incentive Scheme (STI) of a minimum of R2 500 and a maximum of R3 500 to be paid quarterly to each employee when the company meets its targets.
Jim said the STI was a burning issue for members and now they will benefit when the company achieves its targets.
"The finality of the wording of the STI agreement will be concluded on Friday, 14 October 2022.
"Furthermore, parties will continue to engage on outstanding issues with the aim of resolving them within the next four months. They include training allowance, abolishing of the entry
grade, service award, insourcing, and scarcity allowance for artisans," said Jim.
He said Numsa welcome the agreement because it was a reflection of the joint effort between the union and the employer.
Initially, the union demanded a 15 percent increase but settled on 7.25 percent.
"This is a victory for workers because of the improvements we secured in the benefits and conditions. We have shown that when we work together we can compromise. This shows that we can find one another with the employer as long as the employer is open and honest in their engagements," said Jim.
