The DA welcomes an end to the 5 week long strike, involving 220 000 members of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) within the metal and engineering sector.
 
It is reported that workers accepted a 10% wage increase from employers within the sector.  

The DA applauds both workers’ union and employers’ associations in their efforts to reach a resolution to the growing crisis and hopes both parties will seek to ensure stable labour relations within the sector going forward.

 
With the strike now over, we must also take a moment to reflect on the state of our nation’s labour relations.
 

The DA remains committed to striking a balance between workers’ constitutionally guaranteed right to engage in lawful strike action and preserving the rule of law for the safety of all South Africans.
 
 
We will thus continue moving forward with our proposed Private Members Bill that will seek to ensure public wellbeing and minimise the incidents of violence during strike action – an amendment that will benefit workers, employers and the public at large.
 

We will also continue fighting for the return of the Labour Relations Amendment Act, which the DA has already, in accordance with section 79 of the Constitution, petitioned President Zuma to return to Parliament for reconsideration.
 
 
As workers and employees prepare to return to normal operations, let the focus be on getting manufacturing plants working again, increasing production, and achieving levels of growth that stimulate job creation for the benefit of all South Africans.