Thousands in NC to join the minimum wage strike

THOUSANDS of members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) are expected to embark on a national strike action on Wednesday in opposition to the minimum wage.

The regional secretary of Numsa for the Northern Cape and Free State, Andile Zitho, said that they were in the process of finalising the arrangements for the day, adding that various industries would be affected.

“We are expecting thousands of our members and fraternity unions to embark on the strike. Members from engineering firms, panel beaters and those employed at solar plants will be downing tools on the day. Solar plants will be the hardest hit by the strike,” said Zitho.

He said the strike was aimed at opposing government’s new National Minimum Wage.

Saftu, in a statement, said members who wanted to participate in the strike must bear in mind that the “no work, no pay” rule would be applicable on the day.

“The South African Federation of Trade Unions has given notice of its intention to initiate a one-day national protest action on April 25, 2018. The protest action is aimed at highlighting the federation’s concerns surrounding the minimum wage, economic policy and free education.

“Employees who wish to participate in this protest action are entitled to do so and no disciplinary action for absenteeism may be instituted against such employees. The ‘no work, no pay’ rule will, however, be applicable,” the union said. - Benida Phillips