BUSY Bay roads Chalk Line and Bullion Boulevard were both closed late Friday morning to allow around 500 members of the National Union of Mineworkers (Numsa) to march from the ZCBF grounds to the port’s West Gate entrance.
The peaceful demonstration from 10am until 1.15pm was in protest against Transnet’s alleged abuse of labour broker employees.
Numsa Secretary for Richards Bay Charles Mohlala said the State-owned freight and rail company has been non-compliant with the new Labour Relations Amendment Bill.
‘Many labour broker employees are not made permanent after three months as stipulated in the new labour laws,’ said Mohlala.
Other complaints include corruption, nepotism and favouritism, discrimination and exploitation, unfair treatment and employees working in bad conditions.
‘The continued intention and extension of fixed term contracts must also be stopped – it is unfair labour practice as it effectively prevents the employees from joining pension or provident funds, medical aid and other benefits of permanent contracts.’
Richards Bay Transnet Port Terminal Manager Panaso Ndlela met with the group at 1.45pm to receive their memorandum.
She promised to investigate the issues raised and respond in two weeks’ time.
Numsa Chairperson Thulani Sibiso said he ‘could not be happier’ with the incident- and injury-free protest.
‘It was well organised thanks to the assistance from the local traffic department and Richards Bay SAPS.
‘It could not have gone any better.’
