Vat Increase A Serious Concern For Workers: Numsa

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa NUMSA says the looming increase in Value-Added Tax VAT is a serious concern for workers.

The union has convened a three-day bargaining conference which started in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Monday.

It brings together shop stewards from all nine provinces.

The aim is to consolidate the demands of workers in various sectors.

NUMSAs General-Secretary Irvin Jim, The fact that CPI is at three percent and traditionally the main sectors that are negotiating are sectors where we always secure three-year agreements. So, we are not going to be swayed by any ideas that we cant negotiate, improve workers wages and benefits because we are facing a state of an economy that is challenged.