JOHANNESBURG - The National Union of Metalworkers will hold their national bargaining conference in Johannesburg.
Industry workers continue to struggle with the rising cost of living.
Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola says these negotiations come against mounting challenges.
South Africa is dealing with local socio-economic issues, including unemployment, and geo-political pressures resulting from foreign affairs.
"If you look at the attendance Donald Trump made to South Africa, the posture of the United States against South Africa is hostile. It does create a lot of uncertainty."
"The negotiating space now is more challenging," she said.
While before the union would only focus on local issues, Hlubi-Majola said they now need to be conscious of what its happening internationally.