Over 200 members of the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa [NUMSA] at Pferd-South Africa in Spartan, Kempton Park have been on a protected strike for the past five weeks over conditions of employment against the German multinational company.
The industrial action started five weeks ago after the parties could not reach an agreement over wages and conditions of employment.
The workers are demanding:

• A one-year agreement while the company is offering a four-year agreement,
• An increase in Rands while the company is offering a percentage increase,
• An agency-fee agreement,
• Closing of the wage gap between rates,
• Medical aid,
• Assistance with funeral costs,
• An increase in leave days, and
• Full time shop stewards and facilities for them.The matter was referred twice to the CCMA requesting that the institution facilitated and agreement but the parties remain deadlocked, with workers standing firm and management only moving on some of their demands, excluding the main ones.NUMSA is calling for the company to come to the table and address the workers’ demands so that the long strike can be brought to an end.For further information, please phone George Chosane (Numsa organising and Campaigns Co-ordinator) on 011 689 1734 or 082 468 5898.