DaimlerChrysler and Numsa have agreed on new performance targets and an employment system in their new siyaphambili manufacturing deal.
DaimlerChrysler South Africa and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa have reached a new agreement that will further improve the relationship between the union and the manufacturer.
The deal consists of a new version of the siyaphambili “moving forward together” manufacturing agreement. The two groups have reached agreement on performance targets to the end of December and a new employment system for hourly paid employees to be put on fixed-term contracts. This will cut down on retrenchments as production volumes decrease. These workers will be trained in other fields, so they can be moved to other areas during slow times.
Johan Evertse, the DCSA management board member responsible for human resources, said they have also agreed on two annual plant shutdowns, a new policy to deal with the problem of a working day falling between two public holidays and the introduction of a new extended shift model.
A performance-based reward with bigger incentives, new targets, an absenteeism penalty and quality conditions will also be introduced. The new shutdown policy means a one-week winter shutdown and a two-week year-end closure.
Lawrence Tuluma, the motor regional organiser for Numsa in the Eastern Cape, said the union was pleased with the deal. “The agreement could help further job creation in the region in spin-offs to the supplier base. It will start a new era of confidence in workers of this region by a multinational that we can produce to specifications and standards,” he said.
