The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) applauds its affiliate, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) on reaching a settlement at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

NEHAWU led a strike at SABS, protesting the restructuring process at the company due to the employer unilaterally changing the payment and employment structure without consultation. Workers were convinced the changes would negatively impact their salaries and benefits.

Workers were on the picket line for two weeks. Both the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration tried to intervene to break the impasse between the union and employer, but workers remained on the picket line.

A salary increase settlement on a sliding scale of 5.8% to 4% effective as of 1 April 2024 was ultimately reached on Friday, putting an end to the strike. Parties also agreed to a once-off gratuitous payment of R25 000 and a once-off R5 000 payment for absorbed interns effective as of 1 April 2024. The once-off payments will be made no later than 31 August 2024.

The housing allowance will increase from R1 400 to R1 500 for all employees who enjoy this benefit. Parties also agreed that the no work no pay will be deducted from the employees’ annual leave.

Issued by COSATU

For more information, please contact:

Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)

Cell: 079 287 5788

Email: zanele@cosatu.org.za