Workers strike at motor parts firm

ABOUT 50 workers from Autocast, a firm that makes components for the motor industry, have downed tools over an 8% salary increase, claiming the last time they had received a raise was in 2011.

The workers are also up in arms because company management has given them an ultimatum to either return to work or “face the consequences”.

Shop steward Wiseman Nyambana said when increases were due last year, the company applied for an exemption. “But it lost the case at the PE bargaining council. We waited for the increment but nothing happened. So we thought we were going to get it this year. But they are still quiet.

“The workers have decided enough is enough because they are the ones who are suffering with all the price hikes. Instead of coming with a solution, the workers were given an ultimatum to return to work or face the consequences. We will engage with Numsa (National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa) to see what can be done,” Nyambana said.

Nelson Mbezu, 46, a father of three, said his family could not any longer survive on what he was being paid two years ago.

“We will ignore the ultimatum because it does not solve our problems. They know we are the ones who are working hard for this firm but still they don’t want to give us the increment,” Mbezu said.

One of the directors, Bernard Brussouw, said: “Our people have embarked on an unprotected strike. We are attempting to resolve the matter.”