Vodacom workers began industrial action at all the company’s premises on Wednesday, the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) said.
Workers began with a go-slow on Wednesday morning, which will followed by demonstrations and meetings at noon outside all Vodacom premises. Picketing would continue on Thursday.
CWU deputy chairperson Thabo Mogalane said the action was in support of the union’s demand for recognition. He explained that every time the CWU wanted to meet the employer, they were told they did not have enough members at Vodacom to be recognised.
The dispute was referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration in February.
A one-day strike is scheduled for Friday, with workers to demonstrate at all Vodacom premises and hand over a memorandum to regional offices in major centres.
Vodacom obtained a temporary interdict from the Labour Court in February forbidding a strike. The interdict has recently been lifted.
The CWU said if there was no agreement they would embark on further industrial action, which could include a sympathy strike by CWU members at other companies. — Sapa