Toyota South Africa Motors’ (TSAM’s) Durban plant on Friday faced a third day of zero production as workers at Toyota Boshoku, which supplied the vehicle assembler with seats and door panels, continued their strike.

The protected strike was led by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), and revolved around a retention bonus paid to skilled artisans at Boshoku, dating back to 2008. Numsa wanted the bonus extended to all workers.

TSAM spokesperson Leo Kok said Toyota was currently losing production at a rate of 700 vehicles a day, destined in equal measure for the local and export markets.

TSAM produced the Hilux, Fortuner and Corolla models.

Toyota Boshoku section manager Charmaine Lottering said on Friday morning that around 480 people of a staff contingent of 670 people were on strike, with production at the component supplier down from 700 seat sets a day to roughly 20.

“Talks are continuing with Numsa to resolve the matter.”

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