South Africa's metalworkers union obtained authorization to strike after rejecting a wage proposal from automotive manufacturers. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa turned down a three-year package offering seven percent in year one followed by 5.5 percent raises. General Secretary Irvin Jim said workers would accept seven percent, six percent and six percent instead during a briefing on Friday, October 31, 2025.
The organization represents employees at Ford, BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Isuzu facilities. Jim criticized employers for risking disruption of over half a percentage point annually across the agreement period. Union officials obtained their certificate from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration after declaring deadlock on October 26.
The automotive sector contributes roughly five percent to national output and employs more than 100,000 workers directly. A work stoppage could delay vehicle shipments to European and African markets after the country exported over 400,000 units in 2024. Members must provide 48 hours' notice before walking off assembly lines at plants in Pretoria, Durban and Gqeberha.
The organization represents employees at Ford, BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Isuzu facilities. Jim criticized employers for risking disruption of over half a percentage point annually across the agreement period. Union officials obtained their certificate from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration after declaring deadlock on October 26.
The automotive sector contributes roughly five percent to national output and employs more than 100,000 workers directly. A work stoppage could delay vehicle shipments to European and African markets after the country exported over 400,000 units in 2024. Members must provide 48 hours' notice before walking off assembly lines at plants in Pretoria, Durban and Gqeberha.
