SOUTH AFRICA: The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) reports that the first day of strike action at the X-Strata Chrome company in Rustenburg has received overwhelming and favourable support from the 800 workers who have vowed to continue with the strike until their demands are met.
Last week, Numsa and the chrome-making company failed to resolve the two-month-old dispute in the conciliation meeting with the Engineering Bargaining Council. The union declared a dispute against the company's voluntary separation package and the layoff of 200 workers. The company is paying laid-off workers 25 per cent of their basic salary, including attendance bonus and housing subsidy, plus 50 per cent of their provident fund contribution, and is guaranteeing insured benefits. It has suspended workers' medical aid membership.
According to the union, the company acted in breach of its obligations by refusing to accede to Numsa demands on severance packages and layoffs. Workers are taking the industrial action because the company failed to conclude the matter through normal dialogue.
The response of the employers has not been at all dignified, says Numsa. "The only conclusion we can draw from these illogical responses is that the company is opening up old wounds."