A strike at Volkwagen SA is to continue after the company and a metal workers union failed to reach an agreement on Wednesday on the livelihood of 19 employees.
Members of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA went on strike two weeks ago, demanding an end to the outsourcing of VWSA’s packing department at Roodekop, Alberton, to a labour broker.
The packaging department is part of VW’s parts distribution division.
”The outsourcing of the packing area will affect 19 workers,” Numsa spokesperson Dumisa Ntuli said.
The dispute over the outsourcing at the Roodekop plant started three months ago, when the company refused to reverse the decision to outsource.
Numsa members want a clause to be inserted in the proposed agreement to put an end to the services of the labour broker, before any signature is attached.
”The suspension of the strike is dependent on the clause being inserted. If the company is really serious about resolving the current impasse, they must include the clause.
”Workers insist on the inclusion of a clause that gives the affected 19 workers the right to tender upon the expiry of the contract. This should form part of the BEE initiatives.”
VWSA spokesperson Bill Stevens said the 19 workers would not lose their jobs and benefits, but would be moved to other divisions within the company.
VW tabled a proposal on Tuesday to Numsa’s representative who promised to put it before the union’s members on Wednesday, Stevens said.
”We have not got an official response from them. Hopefully, we will get it tomorrow (Thursday) and we will be able to comment.” – Sapa