Solidarity spokesperson Marius Croucamp
Photo by: Duane Daws
Trade union Solidarity will this week start negotiating in the National Bargaining Council for the Chemical Industry (NBCCI), demanding an increase of 9.5% for employees in the industrial chemicals sector, Solidarity spokesperson Marius Croucamp said on Monday, adding that the union was determined to engage in constructive and fair negotiations.
Currently, the employers in this sector of the bargaining council were offering wage increases of 5%.
“Solidarity wants to negotiate the best possible wage increase for its members without harming the prosperity and sustainability of the industry. We have to keep in mind that dragged out negotiations will, ultimately, be to no one’s benefit. Therefore, we strive to resolve any conflicts as quickly and effectively as possible,” Croucamp said.
He stated that employees in the industry remained under immense financial pressure owing to increases in the price of essential goods and services such as electricity, food and fuel.
“During the past year, the cost of medical funds and education also increased by 8.6% and 8.7% respectively. This year’s wage increases must assist employees, at the very least, to maintain their standard of living and to improve it if at all possible,” Croucamp said.
Wage negotiations in the industrial chemicals sector of the NBCCI would be followed by negotiations with the petroleum and glass sectors later this week.