Following the stalling of wage negotiations between Johannesburg-listed Afrox and the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers Union (CEPPWAWU), which represents some 10% of the gas provider’s workforce, the union has notified Afrox of its intention to initiate industrial action from March 19.
CEPPWAWU would initiate a go-slow and overtime ban on March 19, followed by a full work stoppage on March 24.
Afrox said in a statement on Tuesday that it would follow its policy of ‘no work, no pay’ for the duration of the strike and cautioned that the strike could impact its ability to provide normal customer services, as disruptions and delays may occur.
Afrox MD Brett Kimber said Afrox had “plans in place” to mitigate supply disruptions to customers, adding that clients had been informed and would be involved in contingency planning.
“Afrox has a zero-tolerance [attitude] towards acts of intimidation and violence and will hold unions and their membership directly and legally accountable for any instances. We will institute legal proceedings to protect our nonstriking employees and assets,” he noted.
The announcement by CEPPWAWU followed a proposal by Afrox to standardise grades and salaries, upon union agreement.
After “amicable” talks, Afrox’s offer was accepted by the South African Chemical Workers Union in early March, but rejected by CEPPWAWU .
“Afrox considers its proposed grading and salaries on offer to the union, and its existing policy on long service and housing benefits, as market competitive. We will continue to seek an amicable agreement with CEPPWAWU,” the group stated.