Sugar mill workers demand a 11.5 percent increase

ANGRY Umzimkulu Illovo Sugar workers say they will not go back to work until their demand of an 11.5 percent increase is met.

Last Monday, sugar refining and milling workers downed tools and began a strike asking for a wage increase of 11 percent across the board, the stipulation of a 40-hour working week and a monthly housing subsidy of R800. The strikers also want all fixed-term and contract workers to be permanently employed.

The Food and Allied Workers’ Union (Fawu) said on Sunday that it was hoping to establish a sympathy strike to accompany current protest action in the sugar industry.

“Fawu is mobilising its members in all companies where sugar is utilised as an ingredient, those in sugar plantations and cane cutting for a possible sympathy strike to support the 5530 striking workers,” said Fawu general secretary Katishi Masemola in a statement.

Umzimkulu Illovo Sugar workers also complained about those members who refused to take part in the strike, calling them ‘Amagundane’, saying that they were unfair for not taking part in the protest as they would also benefit from the raise.

“We have no idea why they are reporting to work as no production is taking place, most of us are on strike,” said one of the protesters.

Umzimkulu Illovo Sugar mill workers also demanded that the general manager, Vis Pillay resigns, claiming they were not happy with his management skills.

Protesters said they would strike until the country runs out of sugar. “If they do not meet our demands everyone will be forced to use salt in their tea,” said one angry protester who asked not to be named.