The dispute between train coaches designer Union Carriage and striking metalworkers in Nigel has been provisionally resolved.
About 400 members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) grounded production to a halt for two weeks over disagreement on management’s refusal to grant shop stewards time-off and engagement of a full time shop steward.
Striking workers are now expected to return to work tomorrow (Friday) and Monday after the union and management have agreed in today’s mediation to grant eight shop stewards a total 40 days paid leave in order to attend to union duties and responsibilities, with additional 10 pool days for those who exhausted their days in the course of fulfilling their union activities and other related obligations.
The Union Carriage and Wagon which won major tender to build train coaches for the historic Gautrain 2010 development suffered after workers embarked on a strike protesting against refusal by management to give shop stewards day offs.
Numsa is pleased that the strike has been resolved and would encourage workers to report for duties with immediate effect.
The union further feels vindicated against the management’s strong- arm tactics and that it was not necessary for management to push workers on this issue to retaliate with drastic strike actions, instead of negotiating in good faith.
For further information contact:
Mziwakhe Hlangani, Numsa national spokesperson
Cell phone: 082 9407116
Source
Numsa News