A wage strike at BAIC’s Coega plant involving 350 workers has passed one month. NUMSA says the outcome will set a precedent for Chinese manufacturers in South Africa.
Africa · Southern
Key Facts
—Strike duration. About 350 workers at BAIC’s Coega plant have been on strike since 15 June 2026, with production at a standstill.
—Wage gap. BAIC pays production workers R40–R48 per hour, less than half the R121 per hour rate under the industry’s National Bargaining Forum agreement.
—Union demands. NUMSA wants BAIC to join the National Bargaining Forum, align wages with sector norms, and provide a 13th cheque and pension benefits.
The union calls on Chinese vehicle manufacturer to ‘correct’ employees’ pay per hour and comply with industry standards
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