South African labor union to strike at ArcelorMittal over wages By Reuters

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) – South Africa’s metal-workers’ union said it would launch a wage-related strike on Wednesday at ArcelorMittal (NYSE 🙂 South Africa Ltd after talks with management over salary hikes hit a deadlock.

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) said on Monday it had provided a 48-hour strike notice, in line with labor regulations after mediation efforts failed.

NUMSA sought an across-the-board wage increase of 10%, a housing allowance, and an 80% medical aid contribution from the employer, among other demands.

Africa’s largest steel producer, majority owned by Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal SA, has only offered 5% across the board, as well as cash incentives, the union said, adding, “We reject this proposal.”

ArcelorMittal spokesperson was not immediately available for a comment.