Farmworkers gear up to continue strike

FARMWORKERS are set to take to the streets today to secure better wages, while the government still hopes farmers and workers can agree on a way forward.

Labour director-general Nkosinathi Nhleko met with labour unions, worker groups and organised business this week in a bid to avert the strike at the last minute.

“The strike will go on but at least we have some commitment from the unions and Agri SA and Western Cape that they will talk to each other,” said Labour Department spokesman Musa Zondi yesterday.

Farmworkers in the Western Cape have threatened to close the N1 highway at De Doorns. They demand better work conditions and a minimum daily wage of R150 per day instead of the current R69.

Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) provincial organiser Sandile Keni confirmed that all their members were going ahead with action.

He had received calls from confused shop stewards wanting to find out about the strike, after rumours that they would not be joining, Keni said.

“Fawu members are behind the strike and we support it fully. None of our members will be working tomorrow,” Keni said.

Ryno Filander, Robertson strike committee and Commercial Stevedoring Agricultural & Allied Workers Union (Csaawu) member, said they were due to meet last night to discuss a way forward.

“It is more likely that we will go back on strike,” he said.

Black Agricultural Workers Union of SA (Bawusa) general secretary Nosey Pieterse said Nhleko had told them in a meeting on Monday that the department would speak to Agri SA about a possible return to negotiations.

Pieterse said they also wanted farmworkers who were still in custody to be released and charges against 271 people arrested during protests to be withdrawn.

Police spokesman Andre Traut said workers had to refrain from using violence.

He said law enforcement agencies were ready for whatever action was planned for today and police would be deployed in all the areas affected by the previous strike.

“We will act against anyone who breaks the law and they will be arrested and prosecuted,” Traut said.

Agri SA labour committee chairman Anton Rabe said farmers were worried that their workers would be intimidated by strikers.

“Some farmers have requested security companies to be on standby but they hope it will be a normal day at work,” he said.