Photo by: Creamer Media's Marleny Arnoldi
Trade union Uasa has signed a one-year wage agreement with the Sugar Manufacturing and Refining Employers Association (Samrea), on behalf of members in the sugar sector.
The agreement, which is effective from April 1 this year to March 31, 2025, follows an extensive three-month negotiating period, as well as a deadlock in June.
Uasa and Samrea ultimately agreed to a 7% wage increase for all employees, as well as a shift allowance increase of 11.5%.
Employers will also be increasing employees’ medical aid contributions to 60%, with employees paying the balance.
The agreement covers all employees in the bargaining unit A2-C3 of Samrea.
Uasa says collective bargaining has once again prevailed. The union also appreciates Samrea’s efforts and willingness to work with labour towards a common goal.
The South African sugar industry produces about two-million tons of saleable sugar a year across just under 23 000 registered cane growers. The sector directly employs about 85 000 people.