Construction halted as Medupi workers strike
Construction has been halted again at Eskom’s Medupi power plant as remaining construction workers joined the dismissed group belonging to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa).
Numsa on Thursday said its members joined the dismissed 1 500 in a gesture of solidarity to compel employers to reverse the dismissal motion.
Eskom-contracted companies at the Medupi power plant have dismissed workers and locked them out as they returned to work after the Easter weekend.
Eskom has accused workers of embarking on an unprotected strike. The firing of workers is also expected to add further delays to the completion of the much-needed power unit as the country struggles to meet electricity demand.
Numsa regional organiser Mahlodi Modike said workers arrived peacefully by bus en route to the construction site.
"They alighted and joined (the) expelled group as we agree on boycotting the unfair dismissal," said Modike.
He said they would not bow to a divide and rule strategy, adding that by allowing workers who were on strike to return to work and targeting others, employers are "dividing workers" and sowing discontent.
Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe told Fin24 on Wednesday that disciplinary action was taking place against 1 700 workers who took part in unprotected strike action on March 25.
“Those members are only allowed to come to Medupi for their disciplinary hearing,” he said.
Numsa head of collective bargaining Steve Nhlapo has demanded that Eskom open the site so that workers can continue their duties.
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