The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) condemns the Department of Labour in Pinetown for failing workers at Flexible Plastics and Packaging. Workers at the Pinetown firm in Kwa-Zulu Natal have been on strike for the last three weeks.
Our members have complained that Flexible Plastics is a racist company because the management discriminates between Indian and African workers. For example, African workers are not allowed to share the same bathroom facilities as their Indian counterparts at the firm. Instead our members are forced to use bathrooms which are in a poor condition. These issues have been reported to the Department of Labour in Pinetown, but nothing has been done. NUMSA condemns Flexible Plastics for this gross violation of human rights!
Our members are also fed up with low wages and are demanding a living wage of R43.00 per hour which is the minimum rate in the Engineering sector. Flexible Plastics is exploiting them by paying them only R9 per hour! They do not receive benefits, and they don’t get compensation for overtime.
Our members are resolute and determined. They will no longer tolerate the attack on their dignity. We are urging management to put an offer on the table which demonstrates that they care about our members, as much as they care about their bottom line. NUMSA is demanding that Flexible Plastics drastically improve working conditions and wages. Until then, the work stoppage will continue.
Our members will be picketing outside the workplace on Wednesday. Members of the media are invited.
Aluta continua!
The struggle continues!
Issued by
Mbuso Ngwenya
NUMSA Regional Secretary Kwa-Zulu Natal
0795023242
For more information contact:
Phakamile Hlubi
NUMSA National Spokesperson (Acting)
0833767725