The members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) will be meeting with the management team at Whirlpool in Kwa-Zulu Natal to discuss the strike at the firm. At least 900 workers have been on strike for the last ten days to demand housing.
NUMSA has been negotiating with the employer to try and resolve the impasse but to date no progress has been made. Workers at Whirlpool have made it clear that they will not return to work until the employer agrees to provide housing as part of the wage agreement.
We salute the workers at Whirlpool for their courage. They have sacrificed their income in order to improve their basic working conditions for themselves and for their families. Their demand for housing cannot be ignored given that the majority of them cannot afford decent accommodation when they earn R43 per hour. Workers at Whirlpool are responsible for manufacturing beautiful appliances which have made the company a popular household name, but ironically they can never afford these products. Such low salaries means that they are doomed to live in slums and informal settlements without basic services like water or electricity. The workers at Whirlpool will not back down until their just demand for improved living conditions are met.
NUMSA will be meeting Whirlpool management later today in order to resolve the impasse.
Aluta continua!
The struggle continues!
Issued by Phakamile Hlubi
NUMSA Acting Spokesperson
0833767725