Timber workers kick up the dust

DISGRUNTLED members of the Chemical Energy, Paper Printing Wood and Allied Workers Union (Ceppwawu) went on strike last week to demand a wage increase of 20%.

Employees of Khulani Timbers, Hans Merensky Sawmill, Northern Timbers, Tzaneng Treated Timber and several other saw mills took part in this strike action.

Workers of Tzaneng Treated Timber picketed in front of the company’s premises every day last week from 07:30 to 17:00.

According to the striking workers’ representative, Julia Nkuna, Tzaneng Treated Timber management offered them a 6% increase, but the workers found that percentage to be too low.

“We are willing to compromise and go as low as 15%, but nothing lower,” she said.

“We will continue with the strike and picket outside the premises until our demands are met.”

She said the workers were unhappy that management employed temporary workers to continue production while the workers were on strike.

The strike at Northern Timbers in Politsi turned ugly last Tuesday when workers barricaded the Tzaneen-Politsi road to put pressure on management to give in to their pay demands.

Police officials intervened and cleared the road, and Tzaneen police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, said the police would continue to monitor the situation.