SOUTH AFRICA – The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has called a countrywide strike starting with Thursday’s night shift at cement company Lafarge‚ demanding a salary increase of 13%‚ the union said.
“The strike will continue indefinitely‚” the NUM said via its Twitter account.
An estimated 800 employees are involved in the protected strike‚ Lafarge SA said.
The firm is a member of the LafargeHolcim Group‚ said in a statement.
The company in SA is offering a salary increase of 7.5%. The union is also demanding a housing grant of R100‚000 while Lafarge SA is offering R50‚000.
NUM’s other demands include an acting allowance of 35% of the monthly basic salary‚ versus the 30% offered by the company‚ and a standard pay rate for workers doing the same job.
“We are committed to negotiating with our employees until an agreement is reached as soon as possible‚” said Unathi Batyashe-Fillis‚ country manager for communications and public affairs.
“We have put contingency plans in place and will monitor the situation closely‚” Ms Batyashe-Fillis said.
TMG Digital
February 11, 2016; http://www.bdlive.co.za/national/labour/2016/02/11/about-800-num-members-to-strike-at-lafarge-over-salaries-and-grants
