UASA Media Release: 18 July 2024
UASA Team led by Operational Manager Adolphus Nzama during the wage agreement signing.
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA is pleased to announce the successful signing of a one-year wage agreement with the Sugar Manufacturing and Refining Employers Association (SMREA) on behalf of its members in the sugar sector. The agreement is effective from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
Following an extensive three months of negotiations with the employers’ association and reaching a deadlock in June, UASA has achieved a substantial wage increase for its members, backdated from 1 April 2024. This significant achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenging economic environment. Key highlights of the agreement include:
• A substantial wage increase of 7% across the board.
• An increase in the shift allowance to 11.5%.
• An increase in medical aid contributions to 60% employer and 40% employee contributions.
The agreement covers all employees in the Bargaining unit (A2-C3) of the SMREA. Amid the economic and negotiating challenges faced between labour and the employer, UASA is proud of its team for skilfully negotiating on behalf of our members and ensuring that collective bargaining prevails. We also recognise SMREA’s efforts and willingness to work with labour toward a common goal and agree on better wages for the workers.
UASA encourages workers in the sugar industry to keep up the hard work and ensure sustainability in the sector. We are proud that the industry has remained standing during challenging and unforeseen instabilities.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.