Industrial action grinds Mill to a halt
The strike action is allegedly in response to a 12 percent salary cut
Unionised employees from Evowood Mill (formerly Masonite Africa Limited) have embarked on industrial action.
Since last Thursday, the striking workers from the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers Union (CEPPWAWU) have been picketing outside the factory.
On Monday afternoon, the company’s management confirmed that the Mill will be closed until further notice. According to a reliable source within the union, who did not want to be named, the illegal strike action came after the latest salaries reflected a 12 percent reduction.
He said that last year a decision was taken to implement a 12 percent salary reduction across all boards and when the cut reflected this month, CEPPWAWU affiliated employees embarked on industrial action. The source said that the 12 percent salary cut set back the lowest earner about R740.
“Workers are not happy about this salary reduction and there is a plan to discuss and open negotiations with the employer,” said the source.
Chief Executive Officer of Evowood Mill, Louis Marais said that in the wake of the strike action, the Estcourt Mill will be closed until further notice. This decision, he added, was taken as a precaution to safeguard all the company’s staff.
Mr Marais explained the reason for the strike action: “The strike action is allegedly in response to a 12 percent salary cut. This formed part of an agreement signed on November 28, 2016 by all parties concerned following days of extensive negotiations. This agreement – which included the introduction of a fourth shift to increase productivity at the mill – was concluded to ensure the sustainability of the mill and to retain the jobs of all Evowood employees.”
He added that the new shareholders remained committed to both Evowood’s strategic plan and to providing employment locally.
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