Striking mill workers reject latest transport allowance offer

Workers at Satico Mill in Low’s Creek have rejected the latest offer from the timber company.

The workers, who are represented by the Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), want a transport allowance of R400 per month, which is less that the R1 000 initially demanded.

Siyanda Mhlabane, shop steward with AMCU, said they had a meeting with the employer on Monday.

“He offered us a transport allowance of R300 with a promise that he will add another R80 in July. But because of our previous engagement with the employer on salary increment issues where he failed to honour his promises, we declined the offer. If he can offer us the R380 now on the table, we can be able to convince our members to sign,” said Mhlabane.

Mhlabane said they had initially demanded a transport allowance of R1 000 but have subsequently brought it down to R400.

Workers at Satico downed their tools on January 19 and have been in talks with the management.

Satico human resource executive, Mish Mogale confirmed that they had made the workers an offer.

“The process of discussion and negotiations are going on and it is true that we made them (workers) an offer. We are still waiting for feedback from them to hear if they are accepting it or not. It is sad that they are saying they are declining it via you (media),” said Mogale from the head office.