DATE: 01 August 2005
Johannesburg
NUMSA PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEVEN WORKERS INJURED AT X-STRATA CHROME AFTER SHOOTING AS STRIKE CONTINUES .
The National Union Of Metalworkers Of South Africa (NUMSA) condemns the shooting of seven workers on strike by the Protea private security company at X-Strata ferrochrome producer based in Rustenburg. At 6h20 , this morning our members were peacefully picketing and toy-toying outside the company premises, when the Protea private security without any prior warning opened fire with tear gas canisters and rubber bullets injuring seven workers. Workers at the scene tell of the security hippo which rammed into the picketing crowd seriously injuring one worker in the leg and ribs. The worker was quickly rushed to hospital by a private vehicle owned by one worker. The union is still assessing the condition of a worker in hospital. The management also refused to treat all injured workers inside the company clinic. The situation is very tense as the company is also refusing to meet the union to discuss all aspects relating to the strike and further discuss the picketing rules. The company has withdrawn its 8,75% wage offer, medical aid and provident fund. The union is demanding 10% wage increase , a two year wage agreement, one hour meeting every month, R500 risk allowance and upgrading of skills for the lowest paid workers. The strike started on the 29/07/2005. The strike involve 1300 workers.
We are horrified with the shooting of innocent striking workers. We are not happy at all because our members are on a legal strike action. The private security action is totally unwarranted and it will further fuel tensions and anger. Obviously , the company must take a blame. We can only conclude from such actions that the company want to resolve the strike by coercing workers. Workers do not deserve such a treatment from private security. In the first place we wonder why a private security was called to deal with the strike. They are not capable to handle strikes. It was not necessary to call a private security because our members behave well during strikes. It is not the first time that they embarked on a strike action. They are very matured and peaceful. The strike is legitimate in relation to the company withdrawing its wage offer. Any violent conduct will not deter workers from continuing with the strike.
The company has been disingenuous. They failed to honour better wage increases in the midst of bad health and safety standards in the company. Workers are affected by dust and work in conditions that are inadequate to acceptable work standards. It is wrong and naí¯ve for the company to keep wages down for metalworkers and give more to mineworkers. It will make sense for the company to pay better wages to cushion for the effects of job losses, unemployment, increase in fuel and food prices. NUMSA is distressed by the company’s strange attitude to ignore legitimate wage demands.
For more information contact Dumisa Ntuli @ 689-1700 or cell 0829737282