UASA Media Release: 9 June 2025
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA is pleased to announce the outcome of the wage agreement signed within the Plastic Negotiation Forum under the auspices of the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC).
This three-year agreement was concluded with all industry trade unions including UASA and contains a commitments clause allowing for the agreement to be extended to non-parties. Wage increases will be implemented from 1 July 2025 until 30 June 2028.
According to the agreement, all workers will receive a 7% increase in the minimum wage rate in the first year, followed by a 6% increase in the second and third years. Other important issues to be addressed include housing assistance, medical insurance, grading and entry rates, short-time work, and lay-off funds.
Given the challenges associated with the cost of living, this significant wage increase will greatly help stabilise our members’ finances. The above-inflation wage increases are a positive outcome for workers, highlighting the importance of fair and reasonable adjustments in collective bargaining.
UASA is proud of its team for negotiating favourable and sustainable wage increases on behalf of its members. We encourage all workers in the plastic industry to continue their hard work to ensure the sector’s sustainability. Together, we must protect our industries for a better future.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.