Despite negotiations getting off to a relatively early start with a pre-bargaining conference in March this year, negotiations on wages and conditions of employment in the Metal and Engineering Sector has reached a deadlock and mutual disputes have been declared on 29 May 2014.

Unions presented employers with a consolidated list of 38 demands, which include a 20% wage increase.

In return, employers offered an inflation-linked increase based on the cost of employment over the next three years. The inflation-linked offer for 2014 is 6.1%.

A further meeting has been scheduled for 3 June 2014 during which parties will decide on the way forward. We will keep you informed of further developments.