Cde Tom gives you some wise words on how you should act as a shop steward (see pages 42-44). In the next few pages sector co-ordinators give background information on issues in their sectors and what they expect of you.
Discuss levy increases
Since engineering workers go into the second year of their two-year agreement, there will be no negotiations this year. But engineering sector co-ordinator, Thulani Mthiyane, urges shop stewards to canvas engineering workers on proposals to increase the bargaining council levy that all engineering workers pay to the council.
When was the last time that the levy was increased?
In 2001.
Why does the bargaining council want to increase the levy again?
The council has approved a number of new projects – a new office in Mpumalanga , money to staff it, there are also plans to increase the numbers of agents who inspect and monitor the agreement and to employer more conciliators in various regions. There are also other issues related to the transformation of the council for which money is required.
What are the benefits for Numsa members?
There will be more people to go and police the industry and make sure that all companies including labour brokers register at industry level. The new Mpumalanga office will also begin to bring the bargaining council closer to our members. We also need to open offices in Polokwane, and if we want to do these things, we need to pay more money. If we want to make sure that our cases are dealt with in time without waiting long periods, we need to increase the number of competent conciliators in all regional offices.
What increase is proposed?
There are two options – one is to postpone implementing for this year and instead implement the increase in 2005 but then workers will be faced with a 20% levy increase. The second option is to increase the levy this year by 10% and agree that for the next four years, the levy will increase by the same percentage each year.
What is Numsa’s position so far?
Numsa’s position up to now has been that we would not consider an increase in levies until 90% or more companies are paying. However, in the light of the new office in Mpumalanga and the increase of services in the council offices, members need to discuss this matter. Shop stewards should explain the issue to them and report members’ views before the next Management Committee on April 6.
How does the engineering levy compare with the motor sector?
It is still way below what motor members are paying for the same service. A motor member pays R1,65 per week and remember that the minimum wage in motor is about R200 per week. Compare that to an engineering worker where the minimum rate is R550 per week and an engineering worker is currently only paying R1,35 per week. A motor member is paying 0,8% of their wage as a levy. If the 10% increase goes ahead, an engineering worker will still only pay 0,3% of their wage as a levy.
Current engineering levy
Proposed new levy from April 1
Administration levy – R1 per week
Dispute levy – 35c per week
Administration + dispute levy – R1,49 per week