As Numsa News went to print, the Delta strike by 3 000 workers had entered its second week, crippling production at the Port Elizabeth plant. The continuation of the strike follows the rejection by the company of the union's demands in the September 29th meeting.
The union will meet again with the company to try and resolve the issues under dispute. According to workers, many of them are exhausting their 30 days sick leave before the 3-year cycle has expired. This results in them working when they are still sick or having to take unpaid leave when they are too sick to work.
Teamwork means that the team has to carry the load of the worker that is off sick – this increases stress on workers and could be contributing to the high absenteeism rate which the union acknowledges needs to be addressed.
Issues under dispute are:
the sick leave policy that has resulted in the dismissal of 25 workers and disciplinary measures being taken against 400 workers. The failure of the company to comply with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act in terms of the 30 days sick leave cycle.
The introduction of teamwork that has led to absenteeism, work overload, fatigue and stress amongst workers. The suspension of two shopstewards for attending training meetings. The unilateral production changes in the assembly line, which result in excess workers.
The reduction in the number of working days which has resulted in workers working four days instead of five days. This change in working days has reduced the wages of workers.
Source
Numsa News