SACTWU edges closer to wage settlement in clothing sector

This is after the union issued an ultimatum to employers last week, following the successful conclusion of its voluntary strike ballot of over 40 000 clothing workers, 86% of whom voted in favour of protected strike action.

The ultimatum required clothing employers to settle the wage dispute on the union’s terms by today, or face national strike action by 50 000 clothing workers. 4 out of the 6 employer associations with whom SACTWU negotiated, have provided the union with firm commitments to settle on its terms. The remaining two employer associations have requested more time to seek a revised mandate.

The 4 employer associations which have irrevocably committed to settle are as follows:

- The Eastern Province Clothing Manufacturers’ Association (EPCMA);

- The Free State and Northern Cape Clothing Manufacturer’s Association (FSNCCMA);

- The Transvaal Clothing Manufacturers’ Association (TCMA) and

- The Coastal Clothing Manufacturers’ Association (CCMA).

Regarding the two remaining employer associations, the South African Clothing Manufacturers’ Association (SACMA) and the Cape Clothing Association (CCA) has requested more time to seek a fresh mandate.

SACTWU has  agreed to grant them a final non-variable extension, until Friday this week. However, it made it clear that, it will not hesitate to execute its mandate of strike action, should the they not agree to its final demands.

Southern African Clothing & Textile Workers' Union