Members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) are on strike at Mpact Plastics in Pinetown in Kwa-Zulu Natal to protest against low wages and unfair working conditions.
Contract workers at Mpact are withholding their labour because they are fighting for equality in the workplace. At least 140 Mpact contract workers have downed tools because even though they work as hard as the permanent employees at the firm, they are paid less and are also denied benefits.
On Wednesday permanent employees at Mpact will go on a solidarity strike to support their comrades. They will picket outside the company offices to demand the following:

• Equal pay for work of equal value. Contract staff must be paid R40 per hour – just like the permanent staff, currently they earn half of what the permanent staff earn.
• Contract staff must receive benefits like provident fund and medical aid – just like the permanent staff
• An end to labour brokers – contract staff must be made permanent

In July NUMSA secured a significant victory at the Labour Appeal Court (LAC) which reinforced the rights of temporary and contract workers. The LAC found that contract workers who have been working for a company for more than 3 months must be made permanent.
Furthermore we commend the permanent employees at Mpact for expressing solidarity with their comrades in the workplace by embarking on a sympathy strike. They recognize that an injury to one worker is an injury to all and they are willing to do what is necessary to ensure equality in the workplace.
Our members will be picketing at the company offices on Wednesday the 13th September, 2017. Members of the press are invited to attend.
For more information of picketing details contact:
Mbuso Ngubane
NUMSA KZN Regional Secretary
0795023242