Still no end to wages increase strike

MALALANE – Employees of the Onderberg Verwerkingskoöperasie have vowed to turn violent should there be another attempt to employ new workers by the company while they are still striking.

This comes after protesting workers caused damage to some of the company’s property by breaking down a dividing wall on May 12. It is furthermore reported that the following day they caused R34 000 worth of damage to a guest-house visitor’s vehicle.

When Corridor Gazette arrived at the scene, it found the situation was under control.

Police were present to monitor the situation, however, employees said, “As you can see, we are not causing any mischief and it is peaceful. But should they try doing what they did on Tuesday, then they will see violence. The breaking down of the wall was nothing, compared to what will happen should they want to hire another group of people.”

The protesters demanded a 10 per cent salary increase, and a 25 per cent bus-fare subsidy increase.

They have been demonstrating and laying at the factory gates for four weeks now.

At the time of going to print there were no further reports of violence received, and an understanding had not yet been reached between the union and the employer.