The COSATU-affiliated Southern African Clothing & Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU) has settled its 2021 wage negotiations for the Blanket Textile sector in South Africa.

 The settlement provides for a 4.77% wage increase for metro areas, and 6.66% for non-metro areas.

 The weighted average increase for both areas is 5.2%.

 These wage increases will become effective from 1 August this year.

 This wage agreement was reached with the South African Blankets Manufacturing Employers’ Organisation (SABMEO) and signed on 9 June 2021.

 The negotiations were conducted on hybrid virtual platform, under the auspices of the National Textile Bargaining Council (NTBC).

 The wage increases will cover the 12-month period from 1 August 2021, to 31 July 2022.

 Fresh negotiations will be held early in 2022, to determine what new wage increases will be due with effect from 1 August next year.

 While we are mindful that future inflationary movements are currently volitile, SACTWU is pleased that it has managed to secure a wage increase for our members which at this stage is higher than inflation and under very difficult COVID-19 pandemic conditions.

 In addition,  the parties have  agreed to a provision which commits all employers in this sector to assist with the successful and efficient roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

 Issued by

 André Kriel 

SACTWU 

GENERAL SECRETARY 

If further information or comment is required, kindly contact SACTWU’s Blanket Sector National Co-ordinator, Mr Oupa Hadeba, on cell number 081 793 2746