Trade union the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) says it strongly condemns the ongoing failure by State-owned defence equipment manufacturer Denel Land Systems to pay the salaries of workers.
It has sent a demand letter for Denel to pay the outstanding salaries within 14 days or face legal action, NUM metal sector coordinator Mawonga Madolo says.
The union has been attempting to engage the company on this matter without any success, as management failed to hold meetings required by the union or even respond, the union states.
It adds that it has been calling on government to intervene by providing financial support in the interest of workers.
"The situation of workers [of] Denel Land Systems in the past 12 months is beyond crisis, with some workers resorting to committing suicide. We send our sincere condolences to the families of these workers.
"The union has now reached a point that further action must be taken to fight against this ongoing violation of workers' rights," the NUM says.