Mkhuze strike will have ‘dire financial consequences’
The striking workers came to an agreement with their employer one week after embarking on the strike
ALTHOUGH striking workers in Mkuze have reached an agreement with their employers, lost profits during the strike will have ‘dire implications’ on the sustainability of the business.
This according to Zululand Petroleum who, by 10 October, had lost four consecutive days’ income during the week-long strike at Mkuze’s Nyala One Stop, which began on 6 October and ended on Saturday.
Represented by MACRISA (Masters of Conflict Resolution in South Africa), hospitality employees working at the station’s shop and fast food outlets embarked on the strike after their demands of an 8.4% wage increase, provident fund and night shift allowance were not met.
A Notice to Strike was sent to the workers’ employer and notices alerting the general community to the strike were pasted around Mkhuze town.
While fuel pump attendants at the forecourt were not involved in the strike action, they were reportedly prevented from carrying out their duties after being threatened by the strikers wielding sticks and knobkieries.
Attempts to discuss picketing rules and moving strikers away from the highly flammable forecourt area proved futile as, according to court records, MACRISA declined the requests.
According to an affidavit submitted to the labour court shortly after the strike commenced, strikers became ‘aggressive and intimidating’ towards the non-striking forecourt employees. They ‘mock-charged’ the premises and threatened management when barrier tape was erected, attacked a customer and hauled a truck driver out of his truck.
Non-striking employees were eventually sent home for their own safety.
Last Thursday, the labour court granted Biz Afrika’s (trading as Nyala One Stop) application to interdict the unlawful conduct of the striking workers.
However, on Friday, Mkhuze town came to a standstill as the entrance was barricaded with burning debris. People were not allowed in or out, businesses closed and there were reports of looting.
On Saturday the striking workers reported that the strike was over and an agreement had been reached.
ALSO READ: Mkhuze strike comes to an end
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