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Workers oppose 'move to lower pay'

Workers and companies in the motor vehicle components manufacturing sector are headed for a collision course.

The group of 14 companies have applied to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration to cut ties with the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO) and switch to the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC).

The companies in the notice said they brought the matter to the CCMA to determine whether MEIBC collective agreements were binding on its employees.

Two unions in the sector accuse the companies of pushing for the switch so they can pay their workers less.

The companies that brought the CCMA application include Auto Industrial Group, Auto Industrial Machining Division, Isando Foundry Division, Hubco Forgings Division and Auto Industrial Foundry Division.

When Sowetan called the first applicant, Auto Industrial Group, they were unavailable to comment.

National Union of Mineworkers' motor and engineering sector organiser Vusi Mapo said the companies were unreasonable for wanting to switch. "These companies have been members of MIBCO for more than 20 years and solely want to move their membership to maximise their profits by reducing the number of workers they employ and reducing their remuneration benefits over a long period of time," he said.

Mapo said their primary aim is to secure less stringent conditions than those currently in place at MIBCO because they want to downgrade the benefits of workers.

He said workers in the MEIBC earn R21 an hour while those in the MIBCO pocket R38.

Mapo said workers in MIBCO were unconditionally entitled to overtime when working over weekends, but not at MEIBC.

United Association of SA's manager for the engineering and motor vehicle sectors, Johann van Niekerk, also said he believes the companies wanted to convene another bargaining council just to pay lower wages.

"We would prefer them to stay in MIBCO but there is currently a process taking place where we and the companies are conducting workplace inspections," he said.

Van Niekerk said though the union does not support the move by the companies, they would be guided by the facts the companies would bring to the table.

"If employers relocate, there is a process that will be undertaken and if somebody is earning a higher salary, this will be phased out over a period of time. The process will not kick-in with immediate effect.

"However, we will take whatever decision that will be in the best interest of our members," he said.

sibanyonim@sowetan.co.za

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