NBC terminates contracts of striking workers
"We are working without a basic salary, this company is making millions while we are suffering, they are undermining us. There are more than 15 drivers who were just fired without any warnings and hearings. This is unfair dismissals," they complained.
STEELPOORT – More than 200 employees of Ngulula Bulk Carriers’ (NBC) contracts were terminated after they allegedly participated in an unprotected strike.
The workers – mostly truck drivers – started with their strike on Monday (February 1).
Steelburger/Lydenburg News visited NBC on Tuesday morning and discovered workers roaming outside the entrance to the company.
While the newspaper was still at the company’s premises a letter was released stating that the striking workers’ contracts had been terminated with immediate effect. It stated that “this notice serves to formally advise you that your service with this company is officially terminated as of February 2.”
In the letter it was mentioned that all termination monies would be calculated and deposited in the workers’ accounts.
According to the strikers, the NBC is ignoring their pleas.
“We are working without a basic salary, this company is making millions while we are suffering, they are undermining us. There are more than 15 drivers who were just fired without any warnings and hearings. This is unfair dismissals,” they complained.
The workers alleged that since
January 11 they had tried to communicate with the management but they allegedly refused to negotiate with them. “They promised to provide feedback, but till today we are still waiting for them,” said a truck driver who wished to remain anonymous.
The newspaper contacted the company for comment. Ms Teresa Hartzer of the communications department said the company was not ready to comment on the issue as they were dealing with it internally.
They promised an update on the issue in due course.
