By Akani Nkuna
The National Union of Metalworkers of SA has welcomed the signing of a multi-year, above-inflation wage agreement in the plastic sector, where inflation stands at 2.8%.
The deal forms part of the Plastic Industry Main Collective Agreement. It covers around 34,000 workers nationally and falls under the Metal Engineering Industries Bargaining Council.
Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said it includes he Plastics Convertors Association of South Africa, Cape Engineers and Founders Association, KwaZulu-Natal Engineering Industries Association, Light Engineering Industries Association.
“This is a victory for the union because even during these challenging economic times, NUMSA negotiates increases above inflation, in an attempt to cushion the workers and their families against the negative impact of the high cost of living,” she said in statement on Monday.
Hlubi-Majola said the deal covered 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028. The increases will be staggered, with a 7% wage hike in the first year, followed by 6% increases in both the second and third years.
The agreement secures steady annual improvements for workers above the current inflation rate of 2.8%.
“We think that we have been able to secure a settlement in the best interest for workers. It is a victory for plastic workers. It has been very difficult to handle negotiations in the past because we experienced major challenges,” Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim said.
“We have combined our militancy and thinking outside the box to secure a decent settlement for workers from employers.”
Hlubi-Majola said all parties were committed to ensuring the deal’s implementation.
The agreement includes a provision to establish a committee to review grading and entry rates using scientific methods, expert input and appropriate methods.
Additionally, the plastics industry has committed to exploring the use of the Sick Pay Fund to support employees frequently affected by short-time work and layoffs.
Hlubi-Majola said some issues, such as housing assistance, were unresolved and would be addressed separately. The agreement affirms that any housing-related arrangements made available through Metals Industries Benefit Funds Administrators’ funds will also be extended to employees in the plastic sector, ensuring they receive the same benefits as others covered by the broader industry framework.
“This means that whatever is finally agreed to on housing assistance in engineering, using funds from the Metals Industries Benefit Funds Administrators, (MIBFA) will also be extended to workers in plastics as well,” she added.
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