Lafarge South Africa confirmed on Friday that some of its National Union of Mineworkers- (NUM-) affiliated employees had embarked on a second day of protest.
About 60 employees gathered at the company’s Lichtenburg plant on Thursday night after an agreement could not be reached regarding demands tabled at the bargaining chambers.
Lafarge South Africa was offering a salary increase of 7.5%, while NUM was demanding 8.5%. Other issues included acting allowances, salary gaps and housing grants.
The union was demanding a housing grant of R100 000, while Lafarge South Africa was offering R50 000. The union had additionally submitted a proposal regarding salary discrepancies. Lafarge South Africa had recommended that the two matters be dealt with by a special task team comprising union representatives and management.
Negotiations to end the industrial action continued, with another meeting between the union representatives and the company planned for Friday.
“While operations remain unaffected, it is unfortunate and concerning to report isolated cases of intimidation of those workers who are not participating in the strike. We call on all our workers to maintain peaceful industrial action and to respect the rights of all employees,” said Lafarge South Africa country manager: communications and public affairs Unathi Batyashe-Fillis.