Union vows to intensify RAF strike

THE National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) says it will intensify the strike at the Road Accident Fund (RAF) following failed mediation with the employer.

Numsa is demanding better wages and for an end to the financial woes bedevilling the RAF.

Numsa said earlier this year the RAF bank account was attached by the sheriff of the court, because of an R8.2 billion debt.

For months RAF was unable to fulfil its mandate of compensating accident victims.

Numsa and the RAF this week sought mediation to resolve the issues that led to the strike.

However, the union yesterday said the talks had collapsed.

Phakamile Hlubi, the acting national spokesperson said: “It is clear to us as Numsa that this mediation process was nothing more than an expensive exercise by RAF to create the illusion of negotiation, when in fact it has no interest in resolving the crisis.

“By suspending the bargaining council they have effectively silenced any critical voices which can force them to be accountable.

“This is an infringement on our constitutional right to organise,” Hlubi said.

Responding to the demands, chief executive Eugene Watson said: “Numsa’s demands are rooted in their insistence that the RAF adopt unverified, nebulous proposed salary scales, which the fund cannot accede to.

“Numsa, which represents just under 36% of the entire staff complement, is one of two unions operating within the RAF workplace.”

However, Numsa yesterday said: “As a militant trade union which cares about workers and their families, Numsa will do everything legally possible to force the RAF to be accountable to workers and the public.” – ANA