The National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (Numsa) on Wednesday said about 8 000 workers at arms manufacturer Denel remain “highly mobilised” for industrial action this month.
Numsa said as part of the build-up to the strike, close to 1 000 workers at Vektor division in Centurion near Pretoria would stage a picket protest action on Wednesday at 12h00.
On Thursday other divisions of Denel are expected to also embark on protest action. Numsa said it would announce the date for the full-blown strike action on Monday in compliance with section 64(1) (b) of the Labour Relations Act. The trade union alleges there is non-compliance with the Restructuring and Transformation Central Committee Accord (RTCC) and the National Framework Agreement (NFA).
They also say there has been a unilateral violation of the conditions of employment and failure to consult the unions.
Numsa is also demanding the implementation of wage increases of 10,5% for the lowest paid workers and 9,5% respectively for the highest paid workers in line with the steel and engineering agreement.
It is also calling for the cancellation of a social plan which was drawn up by the company and about which it says the union was not consulted. The trade union also accused the company of beginning a process of excluding unions in the restructuring process, reneging on agreements and streamlining divisions and failing to increase the wages of workers since the employment of new managers.
“All these elements undermine the union’s ability to engage meaningfully and result in negative performance by the company. The feeling from workers is that there is a shift towards paternal authoritarianism.”
Numsa said on Wednesday that about 150 workers at the Gunnebo lock and safe making company based in Wadeville are on strike over the company’s unilateral changes to conditions of employment and increase in production targets that has led to disciplinary measures being taken against 20 workers.
The union said the strike has entered its third day with workers picketing outside the company premises.
“The company production is heavily affected and there are no talks between the company and the union to address the stalemate.”
Numsa said the strike will continue for an indefinite period until all the demands are met.
“We are confident about winning because there is merit to the strike. Workers embarked on strike action precisely because they have been far less impressed with the nature of production changes and altering of their conditions. The strike has gained support.” – I-Net Bridge