Workers in the engineering and metal sector have downed tools as talks over a wage increase have hit an impasse.

The National Union of Metalworkers (NUMSA) has vowed to strike until employers agree to an 8% increase. It’s understood that the employers have refused to budge on a 4.4% increase.

Irvin Jim, NUMSA’s general-secretary has accused engineering bosses of being selfish and benefitting from last year’s standstill agreement when increases were halted to cushion the effects of Covid-19. He says it’s time for employers to give back.

Jim further dismissed assertions that the strike would threaten the country’s economic recovery. He says if anyone is do this, it’s these selfish employers.

[Picture: Supplied]