VANDERBIJLPARK. The Chief Executive Officer of ArceloMittal South Africa, Kobus Verster said that the timing of the National Union of Metal South Africa ( NUMSA) strike notice suggests that the company’s revised offer has not been shared with the union members by their union.

The employees has been on strike since 11 May and the steel company said that taking both the current economic conditions and the future sustainability of the business it believes that the offer is fair. The company said that it tables a significant improve final offer of 7% comprising of a 5% increase across the board on all remuneration elements and 2% cash equivalent based on all remunerated elements to be paid monthly.

” It is not true that the employees are earning R7000 per month.”

Mittal said the current average total remuneration of the lowest grade of employees at AMSA is R 21 423 per month excluding overtime.

“The offer tabled will result in an average of adjustment of R2 246 per month for bargaining with workers. The unsustainable increase in new pay will cost pressures that will weaken competitiveness,” said Verster.

“We encourage all parties to behave responsibly in finding an agreement so that business can move forward. The company is committed to remain open in the interest to reach agreement in the negotiation process.”