The council is comprised of registered employer associations and trade unions and its scope covers 9 000 firms and more than 250 000 employees and provides a platform for employers and employees to constructively manage their relationships and further contribute to the development of the sectors that it represents.

The council’s activities include conducting negotiations in respect of minimum wages and other working conditions, providing dispute resolution and spearheading initiatives for skills development and social protection for workers in the industry.

CEO of the MEIBC Alistair Smith said, “The MEIBC has looked critically at the role that it is playing in the industry. We firmly believe that, beyond our traditional role of wage negotiators, the council can make a positive contribution to the industry, in terms of industry promotion and international competitiveness. The council also plays a vital role in providing basic social security in a key sector of our economy. The relocation to new premises will provide us with the infrastructure and systems necessary to enhance the services to industries. We are also excited to be relocating to Johannesburg’s old financial district as part of our commitment to the renewal of the inner city”.