Worker control on the trainsWhen Cosatu called a nationwide strike in August, train drivers heeded the call as well.
So when workers gathered at Elandsfontein station to go to Pretoria they found driver-less trains! Peter Thobejane reports on how Numsa shop steward Sipho Meshack Ndaba saved the day.We negotiated with the manager to give us a train.
He agreed on condition that we have a volunteer who will take charge of it.
Before he handed the keys to the volunteer we had to first inspect all coaches. “When I got inside the train I forgot about whether I had valid papers or experience of driving a train.
I just knew I had to follow the rules and regulations,†says train driver for the day, Ndaba, Kempton Park local chairperson.When we arrived in Tshwane there were no reports of any casualties or injuries.
They handed in the key to the manager who said that if they still needed it, they must just phone him and he will offer them another train when they return back home!But it was not necessary. On the way home, comrades took buses and taxis!
Payment of Dunlop Africa Pension Fund SurplusBonga Ngwane
Current and former Dunlop employees who qualify for a surplus from their Pension Fund now have a reason to smile.
This is after the employer and the Union signed an agreement which requires Old Mutual Fund Administrators to pay the surplus to those who qualify.Discussions started in 1998.
About 2162 employees will benefit. 1075 of these whose information was not accurate will be paid not less than R3000 plus interest.
The payment is in terms of the provisions of the Pension Funds Act and the good news is that dependants of those of the 2162 who have passed away will also be paid.A contingency reserve of R3million has to be retained for the late submission by applicants.
Thanks to comrades Bombshell Khumalo, Shakes Mokoena, Max Shabalala, Mr Xaba, Mr BB Ngindi, Bonga Ngwane, Mr Gwala, Mr Qwabe, Joe Nene and Sam Mthethwa who all worked collectively to ensure that the surplus is paid.
If you want to find out if you qualify, phone:Bombshell Khumalo (Durban) on 083 769 0395Shakes Mokoena
(Ladysmith) on 073 157 3081
Source
Numsa News