Given the unprecedented socio-economic challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the SEIFSA-affiliated Employer Organisations and the sector’s five biggest trade unions today concluded an unprecedented stand-still agreement which will see the retention of all existing Main Agreement terms and conditions of employment and the freezing of the current wage rates until 30 June 2021.
The SEIFSA-affiliated Employer Organisations represent 56% of all scheduled workers employed by the Employer Organisations on the Bargaining Council, while the five trade unions collectively represent 49,8% of all scheduled workers employed by all the Employer Organisations on the Bargaining Council.
The conclusion of this historic standstill agreement, which will see workers not receiving an increase over the next 12 months, is the first of its kind in traditional industry collective bargaining arrangements. It marks a watershed moment when business and labour together recognised the devastating impact which the COVID-19 pandemic has had on companies and employees alike across the sector as the economy found itself in a deep recession.
We at SEIFSA are immensely grateful both to the employer representatives nominated by their respective Associations to be part of the SEIFSA Negotiating Team, ably led by Operations Director Lucio Trentini, who gave unstintingly of their time to play a crucial role in the process. Our thanks also go to the SEIFSA Board of Director for its direction and to the SEIFSA Council, the mandating body which represents our member Associations.
This unprecedented standstill agreement – built on understanding, respect and trust – would not have been possible without the cooperation of our labour partners. We are also grateful to them for the spirit with which they have approached this difficult task at hand.
Kaizer M. Nyatsumba
Chief Executive Officer
For Information:
Lucio Trentini
Operations Director
Direct | Tel: 011 298 9414 | Cell: 082 449 6270 I
E-mail: lucio@seifsa.co.za