Is striking for a raise worth it?

In these difficult economic times, workers are seen on strike, protesting for better salaries. They down tools and stop working, sometimes for weeks on end, and in the end when their demands are finally met, the food and petrol price has gone up.

Informant asks residents whether strikes are worth it.

Magret Letsoalo says striking and downing tools is not effective at all as protesters mess up the streets, creating more problems such as littering and traffic.

“Most companies have a no work, no pay policy, so you end up not getting a raise and your salary is cut.”

Riaan Roux says going on strike depends on the type of company you work for. “In some companies, you can strike and get results, but in others you strike, you get no pay or you get fired. Striking has positive and negative impacts, but in most cases the impact is always negative.”

George Ramothwala says in most cases, striking is a waste of time and money. “Strikes sometimes cause people to lose their jobs and it is bread winners who lose their jobs in most cases. All because of a strike.”

Jack Ledwaba also agrees that striking is not effective at all. “They are useless because people end up losing their jobs or getting badly injured or killed. Just like what happened in Marikana,” he says.

Magrita Stander says: “Striking is not effective at all. Employees should communicate with their employers if they are not happy in the workplace, instead of going on strike. Striking is not effective at all because companies lose money, money which could have been implemented into salary increases”.

Lazarus Kgatle on the other disagrees and says striking for a salary increase is effective and good. “People must fight for their rights, especially in the workplace. And sometimes when people strike, their goal is achieved.”

Chilliboy Bogopane says strikes are effective because people must fight for their rights and in most cases, there are results, with the employees having their demands met.

Phillip Modula says: “Striking and downing tools is not right at all. As a religious person, I believe that if you want more money, you must pray and God will supply all your needs according to his riches and glory. Strikes are a waste of time and resources”.