South Africa MTN, workers agree on deal to end 2-month strike

South African mobile operator MTN Group and union leaders reached a deal over bonuses on Thursday, ending two months strike by the workers. About 2,000 workers led by the Communications Workers Union (CWU) downed tools in May at Africa’s biggest mobile phone operator, demanding eight per cent pay rise and 16 per cent bonus payment. The CWU said it had agreed to an eight per cent bonus payment this year and 12 per cent next year. Both payments are guaranteed and not related to the performance of the company. “Members are expected to go back to work within two days after the signing of the agreement”, CWU General Secretary Aubrey Tshabalala said. The two parties failed to reach a deal on monthly wages, but the CWU has said it would accept MTN’s eight per cent offer if performance conditions are removed. MTN, along with its rivals in South Africa, is trying to contain costs in the face of tough competition that has hit profit margins. http://perfectbrandsng.com/south-africa-mtn-workers-agree-on-deal-to-end-2-month-strike/