Satawu workers halt strike but Denel wage war continues

Ninety-five members of The South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) temporarily suspended their strike at Denel Aeronautics.

The workers downed their tools last week Tuesday after management increased wages with four per cent and not the 15 per cent they demanded. Management has been given two weeks to act.

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“Denel has concluded wage negotiations with all other unions earlier this year, but Satawu continues to pursue their own wage negotiations,” a statement by the company read.

Satawu insists that its members are not unreasonable with their demands.

“We work hard for the South African economy and we pay taxes. We are just requesting our government to take care of us in return,” Denel employee Lucky Nekhandela said on behalf of the group.

Nekhandela added that Denel had to date not adhered to the workers’ request for a meeting.

“If this is how we are to carry on, the workers will starve.”

Earlier that day their peaceful protest turned volatile when police opened fire on the crowd after they would not allow two trucks to enter the premises.

“Police intervened and fired rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse the crowd,” Capt Jethro Mtshali, spokesperson for the Kempton Parks SAPS, told Express.

One woman was injured during the altercation and taken to hospital.

According to Denel’s statement, it is “regrettable that Satawu striking members have opted to embark on a protected strike.

Denel added that it would seek to find a solution amidst this negotiation.

Aviation sector chairperson Tinyiko Mashele said the workers would not back down.

“We want Denel to listen to us and give us what we deserve.”