/ 5 June 2003

Iscor obtains court interdict against Numsa

South African steel maker Iscor (ISC) said on Thursday it had obtained a court interdict preventing the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) from engaging in unlawful protest activities.

The company said the interdict, granted by South Africa’s Labour Court, followed a flair-up of violent behaviour by striking workers during Wednesday’s shift change at various Iscor plants, where Numsa members have been striking for more than a week.

Iscor’s executive director of human resources Abe Thebyane said protesters were engaging in acts of violence and intimidation against non-striking workers, damaging property and vehicles, and setting up blockades to restrict access to the plants.

Numsa’s strike entered its ninth day on Thursday after wage negotiations between the two parties failed.

Numsa is demanding R5 000 back-pay per worker to cushion the effects of the restructuring process that took place over the past seven years, and a comprehensive salary adjustment to be spread-out over all skills grades.

“We had previously warned Numsa leadership to re-assert control over striking workers and ensure adherence to agreed picketing rules failing which, we would seek a court order against the transgressors,” Thebyane said.

The interdict, which was served on Thursday morning, prevents Numsa from obstructing access to the plants, intimidating non-striking employees and subcontractors, and from damaging property.

He added that Numsa was required to take all reasonable steps to persuade their members not to engage in unlawful activities associated with the strike.

Thebyane said that notwithstanding the unlawful actions, production is proceeding as normal.

Attempts to get a response from Numsa on the development proved fruitless. – I-Net Bridge