About 3 000 National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) members at the Port Elizabeth-based car manufacturer Delta will go on strike on Monday, the union has announced.
The union said the company has been undermining collective agreements and legislation by pushing for abnormal working conditions.
”We have tried to put sense into the company — not to take the dignity of workers away. The situation is exploding now and the company remains unprepared to compromise.”
Numsa is unhappy with:
The company’s sick-leave policy that has led to the dismissal of 25 workers and disciplinary measures against 400 workers;
Failure of the company not to comply with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act in terms of the 30-days sick-leave cycle;
The introduction of teamwork that has led to absenteeism, work overload, fatigue and stress among workers;
The suspension of two shop stewards for attending training meetings; and
The unilateral production changes in the assembly line, which resulted in excess workers.
Numsa said the introduction of the team concept created unnecessary competition and lead to harassment, prejudice and unfair discrimination.
”The current method applied to enhance production is flawed because it creates divisions and redundancies, reduces workers’ salaries, and ultimately increases the rate of absenteeism,” the union said.
Delta could not be reached for comment on Sunday afternoon. — Sapa