Welcome

South African Engineers and Founders Association

The SA Engineers and Founders Association (SAEFA) represents the interests of hundreds of member companies in the metal and engineering industry. These companies range in size from very small employers to large multinational organisations. SAEFA not only offers a wide range of direct services to member companies but also represents the interests of our members at both industry and national levels. 

SAEFA’s direct services to member companies, available at a reduced fee to these companies compared to what a non-member company would pay in the market, include assistance on all matters affecting the relationship between themselves and their employees/trade unions – for example:

  • Dispute resolution, conciliation, mediation and arbitration services 
  • Advice, assistance, consultancy and training on labour legislation, employment conditions and all other Industrial Relations matters
  • Assistance is also provided with health and safety matters, broad-based black economic empowerment, contract price adjustments and skills development through our affiliate organisations

For full information on these services contact SAEFA’s Executive Director, Gordon Angus, at gordon@saefa.co.za. 

SAEFA also represents the interests of our member companies in all industry negotiations with the industry’s trade unions, not only on wages and other conditions of employment but also on the industry’s benefit funds which provide benefits to employees such as pensions, permanent disability and sick pay benefits. SAEFA has its own seats at the MEIBC, participating directly in all activities there.

Being a member of SAEFA allows you to have a direct say in what happens in your industry.

 

News

Explaining the Contents of the MEIBC Main Agreement

3 February 2023

Last year, the Main Agreement was extended to non-party employers, including members of SAEFA.  Whilst every effort will be made to challenge this extension, until such time as we successfully overturn the extension, the Main Agreement is applicable to all scheduled employees on the shop floor. 

On Wednesday, 22 February 2023, SAEFA will be guiding members through the contents of the agreement and its practical implementation on your shop floor.  This seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of the agreement, breaking down the key provisions and explaining their implications for your business.  We will share all of our knowledge and real-world experiences, providing practical insights and guidance that you can take back to your workplace.  With an engaging and highly interactive format, this seminar is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay informed and ahead of the curve in the metal and engineering industry. 

Included in the presentation will be guidance on how to implement short-time in response to any unforeseen contingency, including load-shedding.

For more information or to book please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Are you having to consider retrenchments in 2023?

13 January 2023

The metal and engineering industry is now under more pressure than ever before, following the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdown.  Coupled with severe loadshedding and the extension of a Main Agreement that is unaffordable to many companies, this means that short-time, lay-offs and even retrenchments may need to be considered as means of survival. 

Legislation regulating these processes requires that specific procedures be adhered to.  These legal requirements can often prove daunting to employers, particularly those who have never implemented short-time, lay-offs or retrenchments before or who have not had to for some time.

Loadshedding and the Main Agreement

10 January 2023

As we are all aware, the situation within Eskom seems very unlikely to improve in the short term and all indications are that load shedding in 2023 will be more severe than it was in 2022.  To assist members in dealing with loadshedding in the workplace, please see the circular below which explains how short time may be implemented to lessen the effects of load shedding. 

The Main Agreement and Loadshedding January 2023

Also, please see some of the frequently asked questions raised by members:

President Cyril Ramaphosa declares 27 December as public holiday

8 December 2022

Earlier today, the President announced that the 27th of December will be proclaimed a public holiday.  A statement issued by the Presidency can be viewed below.  Accordingly, we have updated the brief dealing with the payment of Leave Pay and Leave Enhancement Pay.  I will send a copy of the government gazette out as soon as it becomes available.

https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-declares-27-december-public-holiday-8-dec-2022-0000

Annual Shutdown Arrangements 2022