Tuesday, December 12, 2017

LIMUSA Strikes in Agni Steel
11 December 2017

Liberated Metalworkers Union of South Africa (LIMUSA) enters a fourth day of a protected industrial action at Agni Steel South Africa in Port Elizabeth. The strike is due to protracted wage negotiations that stated in 2016 with the company. The union was demanding R48 per hour at the time and the company was paying workers R24 per hour. Several attempts were made by the employer to delay engagements or negotiations on the demands by raising frivolous jurisdiction points but all those attempts failed.

In 2017 company attempted to address the demands while we were engaging on the offer and making counter proposals the company went on to sign an agreement with a minority trade union (NUMSA) which never submiited any demands or part of the dispute. The action by the company led to a deadlock and LIMUSA issued a strike notice to the company on 27 September 2017.

The company approached the Labour Court to for an interim interdict on the 01 October 2017and the interim order was granted. On the 7th December the matter was heard by the Labour Court and LIMUSA won the case and the interim order was discharged meaning the Labour Court confirmed that LIMUSA strike was protected.

On the 8th December 2017 the company and the union met in an attempt to resolve the dispute but the company failed to address the demand of R40.37 and backpay. That has resulted in collapse of negotiations and commencement of strike action on the 8th December 2017.

The strike is set proceed indefinitely as workers are firm behind their demand of R40.37. If addressed by the employer the demand is set to bring workers at par with their colleagues in the Metal and Engineering Industry.

We calling on our members to be united behind their demands and conduct themselves peaceful manner. We note the acts provocation on part of management and we are calling on our members to remain discipline throughout the strike.

LIMUSA remains committed to engage the employer to resolve the dispute.

Issued by Secretariats

For further information contact :-

Mawonga Madolo - 083 613 8610

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