Despite agreement being reached in early December 2020 between National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) employee representatives, employees and management with regard to the new flexible operating module (FOM), employees at the Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA) manufacturing plant in Ladysmith have embarked on an illegal work stoppage.

Communications manager at Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, Bashira Mansoor, has released a media statement saying that employees are on an illegal strike.

“As employee safety is of paramount importance to SRSA, employees who are not engaged in the illegal action have been advised to work remotely until an agreement has been reached. The FOM proposed a reduction in factory operating hours from a seven-day week to a five-and-a-half-day week, with the agreement that should market factors and demand improve, this could be reviewed.

The implementation of the FOM was delayed to January 18, 2021, as agreed. However, on commencement, employees refused to accept the revised working hours. Despite further effort on management’s behalf, employees chose to instigate an illegal work stoppage on February 10, 2021.”

Mansoor further mentioned that management continues to engage with all stakeholders to resolve the situation. However, despite the company’s commitment and several extensions to allow for consultation, requests for employees to return to work have been ignored.

Also read: Ladysmith KZN: Sumitomo Dunlop respond to strike action

“As a result, the company has had to make the difficult decision to take legal action. SRSA is aware of the difficulties faced by employees and remains committed to finding a solution to the situation that will ensure the continued sustainability of the business, as well as the well-being and safety of all employees.”

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