Numsa strike enters second week

A strike in the motor vehicle manufacturing sector by members of the National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa) has continued into its second week.

"It's still going on. We have rejected their offer, which to us is the same," said Numsa spokesman Castro Ngobese.

He said management was sticking to its offer of seven percent and were "mum" on the issue of a housing allowance.

The workers were demanding a 15 percent across-the-board wage increase, a 100 percent lay-off payment and the scrapping of labour brokers.

They were also demanding that the Automobile Manufactures Employers Organisation (Ameo) reduce working hours to eight hours a day from Monday to Friday, and allow six months of paid maternity leave.

Ameo could not immediately be reached for comment.

Last week, Ameo has said the workers' demands were unrealistic and warned that the strike could have a negative impact on the production of vehicles for the local market.

It also said the strike could affect long term export contracts.