The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa(Numsa) has called on more than 3000 striking workers at the Ford Motor Company to return to work after it negotiated a once-off profit-sharing agreement of R20 000 following days of protests amid a wage negotiation deadlock.
The numsa members embarked on a strike on July 4 over the payment of bonuses, with workers refusing to report for work despite Ford securing an interim order from the Labour Court.
In a statement, on Friday, the union through its spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, said in terms of the agreement there would be no disciplinary action against those who participated in the illegal strike.
The announcement comes after days of marathon behind the scenes negotiations with Ford management. Following the successful negotiations, the union has instructed its members to return to work.
The strike was called off after Ford approached the Johannesburg Labour Court for an interim interdict. However, despite the interdict, Numsa members continued to protest with the motoring company threatening workers with possible sanctions as the continued strike action was deemed “unlawful and unprotected.”
“In this regard NUMSA calls on all workers at Ford to report for their shifts tomorrow morning (Friday, 12 July 2024) commencing at 6am, in that the strike has ended,” the union said.
Numsa says the latest developments was in line with its aim of creating a more equitable society and eradicate the tendency of a few billionaires consistently increasing their exorbitant wealth at the expense of workers.
Reacting to the news, Numsa general secretary, Irvin Jim said: “This is a victory for workers! As a union we believe that the working class must benefit from the profits that are generated because workers create wealth. It would not have been possible if our members had not been united in their demands.”
The return to work of Ford employees coincides with reports that Gautrain workers were slowly returning to work after a week-long strike amid wage negotiations.
On Friday, media reports indicated that Gautrain operator Bombela Operating Company (BOC), had noted increasing “return to work” requests by striking workers affiliated to the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa).
“While BOC respects the rights of employees to engage in industrial action, we believe it is vital to also highlight the potential financial repercussions that prolonged strike action can have on them and the company,” Gautrain corporate communications manager, Lebogang Tsotetsi said.
It is further reported that, Numsa had revised its wage demand for Gautrain workers to a 9% increase (from 13%), still above the 5.2% inflation rate recorded in April and May.
The Star
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za