The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Wednesday confirmed a strike by workers at cement producing company PPC, at Hercules, in Pretoria, over wage increases.
NUM PPC branch secretary Surprise Baloyi, said workers were embarking on a protected strike over the company’s refusal to bargain on wage increases.
This comes after the NUM gave PPC a notice to strike on April 4 and workers commenced with the industrial action on April 9, 2019. The strike has entered its ninth day.
"The NUM is demanding a salary increase of 12% across the board, a housing allowance of R1 500 and transport allowance for shift workers of R750 to be back dated to 1st October 2018."
"We are determined to fight for our rights as workers. Workers are determined to proceed with the strike in support of their demands, we signed a collective agreement granting us organisational rights as a majority union, so the company should meet our demands," said Baloyi.
PPC is the leading supplier of cement in southern Africa. The company produces aggregates, metallurgical-grade lime, burnt dolomite and limestone.
Baloyi said the union was demanding that the company close the wage gaps that exist within PPC. "The company management is creating the wage gaps instead of closing them," said Baloyi.