The Delta Motor Corporation in Port Elizabeth on Thursday claimed that despite the ongoing strike by close to 3 000 National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) members, the workers’ attendance continued to increase each day.
“Despite the current impasse on the issue which gave rise to the strike [namely sick absence], we note that attendance levels have continued to increase each day,” Delta manager of corporate communications Denise van Huyssteen said.
She added that the company remained committed to finding a solution to the dispute.
Delta on Wednesday urged Numsa members based in Port Elizabeth to return to work even though no resolution has been reached regarding a sick-leave dispute.
Numsa members on Monday decided to continue with strike action at the company after a general meeting to consider certain company proposals in relation to the union’s demands.
Meanwhile, Numsa spokesperson Dumisa Ntuli said 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.
The union 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. — I-Net Bridge