Tebogo Msimanga |
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) in Hlanganani condemns in the strongest terms the actions of Venture, a major auto parts supply company to BMW which is based in Rosslyn Pretoria.
“ The management of this company are union bashers who are hostile to employees. Shortly before lockdown they dismissed twenty-one employees who refused to work, because of a lack of water supply.” Said NUMSA National Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola in a statement
Hlubi -Majola said workers downed tools for a couple of hours because the lack of water meant they were at risk of getting sick. They were particularly concerned because the lack of water meant they could not adequately sanitize and wash their hands to prevent covid-19.
“Management responded with utter brutality and by the end of March all twenty-one employees had been unfairly dismissed. In our engagements with the employer, they promised to re-instate workers, but they reneged on this promise.” The matter has been referred to the Dispute Resolution Council of the Motor Industries Bargaining Council (MIBCO) for resolution.
Hlubi Majola said their members are fed up and will be marching to the offices of Venture in Rosslyn Pretoria. “From there, they will march to BMW which is nearby to hand over a memorandum to the management there as well. SAFTU unions will also be there to support us”
