Shoe factory workers down tools
Workers want a 7.5 increase while employers are offering them 6.25 per cent.
WORKERS from a shoe factory in Pinetown are protesting and vow not to back down until their company agrees to give them a 7.5 per cent increase.
The protest, in its second day, began on Monday when workers from John Whittle Components in Suffert Road, Pinetown downed tools and protested outside the company. National Union Leather and Allied Workers (NULAW) shop steward, Ntombi Miya, said the workers are tired of working for ‘peanuts’.
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“We have had discussions with them on numerous occasions and we have now decided that downing tools is the only way our grievances are going to be heard. We will continue with the strike for weeks if we have to.”
The workers said they are dedicated and work tirelessly so the 6 per cent offered to them is just a slap in the face.
“Every year we receive a salary increase of 7,75 per cent and this year we are being offered 6.25 per cent. The employers have told us that it is because of inflation, what does this mean for us? Everything has gone up, the taxi fare, food, the cost of living is high for everyone,” said Miya.
The Highway Mail called the company and spoke to the manager who said he is not in a position to give comment as the ‘big bosses’ are not around.
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