Close to 3 000 members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) based in Port Elizabeth on Monday decided to continue with strike action at Delta Motor Corporation after a general meeting to consider certain company proposals in relation to the union’s demands.
Numsa spokesperson Dumisa Ntuli said the strike had entered its fifth day and the union and the company were meeting to restructure the proposals and seek an alternative agreement.
Ntuli said workers expressed great reservations about the proposals made by the employers last week.
“Workers felt uncomfortable with the proposals but we do not think that all is lost. The parties can improve on the current proposals. The main objective is to reach agreement on all contentious issues,” he said.
Numsa claims that Delta’s sick-leave policy had resulted in the dismissal of 25 workers and disciplinary action being taken against 400 workers.
The union also claimed that Delta had failed to comply with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act in terms of the 30 days sick-leave cycle.
Ntuli said in the course of the strike action, consultation was an important priority and the decision by workers to continue with the strike shows their dissatisfaction with the issues under dispute.
“We remain hopeful that if all the parameters are correct and the legislation is respected the strike can be resolved.”
Attempts to obtain a response from Delta were unsuccessful. — I-Net Bridge