JOHANNESBURG - The National Union of Metal Workers of South
Africa (NUMSA) has rejected the latest wage offer from Mpact Plastics in
Pinetown.
NUMSA said at least 140
contract workers have been on strike because they want to be permanently
employed. They were also demanding an end to labour brokers.
Contract staff work just as
hard as the permanent staff but they only earn R20 per hour which is half of
the minimum rate in Engineering. Our members also want benefits like medical
aid and provident fund. “Mpact management made
an offer to increase wages by R2,50 per hour; and an offer to
increase night shift allowance from 10% – 12%. But we have rejected the offer because
it does not go far enough in ensuring that our members and their families are
able to live a dignified life”.
“Our members are part of the
working class poor. They can barely survive on R20 per hour, which government
has proposed as the National Minimum Wage for next year. Our members
spend more than half their income on public transportation just to get to work
and like most African families, they support at least eight dependents,” said
NUMSA.
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NUMSA said the cost of
living was particularly high for them because they have always earned low
wages. They were directly affected by high unemployment, poverty and
inequality. Companies like Mpact exploit African labour and the low pay was
proof that they do not value their contribution. The union said picketing
would continue until Mpact meets their demands for a living wage.
Last week permanent staff joined in a solidarity strike and they salute them
for their sacrifice.
“We commend our members for
fighting for a better life for themselves and their families. During a strike a
‘no work no pay policy’ applies. And our members are willing to give up their
own comforts for the right to equality in the workplace,” said NUMSA.