Numsa
By Mpho Moloi
Johannesburg, Gauteng – Strike action is looming in the automotive sector after the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) confirmed it now holds a strike certificate, paving the way for possible industrial action. The union, representing thousands of workers at major car makers, rejected an employer offer of 7% in the first year and 5.5% in the subsequent years of a multi-year agreement during tense wage talks. Numsa started the wage negotiations demanding a 9% increase, but has since shown willingness to compromise, urging employers to meet them halfway to avoid a shutdown.
The announcement came during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Friday, 31 October 2025, where Numsa leaders voiced frustration over the stalled discussions. With South Africa’s automotive industry already facing global pressures like supply chain issues and economic slowdowns, a strike could hit production hard at plants run by big names like Ford, BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Isuzu.
Union’s Stance and Key Demands
Numsa General Secretary Irvin Jim laid out the union’s position clearly, highlighting the gap between what workers need and what bosses are offering. “What we’re rejecting from employers, is 7%, 5,5% and 5,5%. We are happy with 7% in the 1st year. We can live with that, but we do not agree that workers must be given 5,5%. Employers must bring that 0,5% and we can have 7%, 6%, 6%. We can close these negotiations with the current package that we have been able to negotiate. That’s the bone of contention that we are fighting about and it’s irresponsible for the employers to plunge the industry to a strike for a 1% over a period of a three years. This money they can pay to workers and then manage their production, they will recover this 1% over a period of three years,” says Jim.
The union argues that the proposed increases fall short of inflation, which has hovered around 5-6% in recent months, leaving workers struggling with rising costs for food, fuel, and housing. Numsa, with over 400,000 members nationwide, says the deal must reflect the hard work of employees who keep factories running despite tough conditions. They also want improvements in other areas, like better housing allowances and medical aid contributions, to make life easier for families.
Talks began earlier in 2025 under the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (Mibco), but hit a wall when employers stuck to their offer. Numsa declared a deadlock on 26 October 2025, after which they applied for and received the strike certificate from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). This legal step allows members to down tools after giving 48 hours’ notice, putting pressure on bosses to come back to the table.
Employer’s Offer and Response
The Automobile Manufacturers Employers’ Organisation (Ameo), representing the seven original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), tabled a three-year deal starting with 7% in the first year, followed by 5.5% in years two and three. They say this is fair given the industry’s challenges, including competition from cheap imports, high energy costs, and a sluggish economy. Ameo has urged Numsa to reconsider, warning that a strike could lead to job losses and hurt South Africa’s standing as a car-making hub in Africa.
In past rounds, similar offers were rejected as “provocative,” with Numsa calling them a “wage freeze” in real terms. Employers point to global trends, where car giants are cutting costs to shift towards electric vehicles, but the union counters that profits remain high – for example, Toyota South Africa reported strong earnings in 2024 despite headwinds.
No fresh talks have been scheduled yet, but both sides say they are open to mediation through the CCMA to avoid a walkout.
Potential Impact on the Automotive Industry and Economy
South Africa’s automotive sector is a big player, contributing about 5% to the country’s GDP and employing over 100,000 people directly, plus many more in supply chains. A strike could halt assembly lines at plants in places like Pretoria, Durban, and Gqeberha, delaying exports to Europe and Africa. In 2024, the industry exported over 400,000 vehicles, worth billions of rands, so even a short stoppage would cost dearly.
Experts warn of knock-on effects: suppliers might lay off staff, dealerships could see stock shortages, and the rand might weaken if investor confidence dips. Numsa has a history of tough strikes – in 2021, a three-week action in the steel and engineering sector won better pay but hurt output. Here, they say a strike is a last resort, but workers are ready if needed.
Government officials, including Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel, have called for calm and quick resolution, noting the sector’s role in job creation under the Automotive Masterplan 2035. With unemployment at 32%, any job losses would add to the pain.
Broader Context of Labour Disputes in South Africa
This standoff fits a pattern of rising tensions in key industries. Numsa recently signed above-inflation deals in the motor sector, including 1.5 times overtime pay and full sick leave for garage workers. But in automotive, where global pressures are stronger, agreements are harder to reach.
Workers face tough times with inflation eating into wages, while companies cite tough markets. As Numsa pushes for fair pay, the coming days will show if talks restart or if factories go quiet. For now, the union urges members to stay united, while employers hope for a deal to keep wheels turning.
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