Striking cleaners return to work
Illegal strikers returned to work at Bidvest Prestige Group's Richards Bay offices
MORE than 50 industrial domestic workers who embarked on an illegal strike outside BHP Billiton’s Hillside Aluminium Smelter last week, returned to work at their employer Bidvest Prestige Group’s Richards Bay offices today.
Last week the protesting cleaners, contracted to the BHP Billiton plant, were given an ultimatum from the company that employees negotiate their terms legally via bargaining council, or face suspension.
About ten of the strikers were suspended after ignoring the stipulation, however they too returned to their employer’s premises this week.
‘We have not yet decided what disciplinary action will be taken against the employees who were suspended as we are still investigating the matter,’ said Bidvest Prestige Executive Manager, Antoinette van der Merwe.
‘But all of the other workers have reported for duty and agreed to participate in the legal negotiation process according to the Labour Relations Act. We will sign an agreement once all parties reach a settlement.’
