Continental tyre strike resolved but at a hefty price for over 100 workers

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Production has resumed at Continental Tyres following an agreement with metal workers union Numsa that ended strike at the PE tyre-maker which began on April 15th.

However, the implementation of the agreement relating to financial remuneration for weekend work, will lead to the retrenchment of over 100 people.

Continental said today that the proposed reduction of a five shift model to a four shift model will in effect allow weekend shift workers to be paid at time and a half for Saturdays and at double time for Sundays.

Human Resources Manager, Attie Higgs.

"We reached an agreement last week. Production resumed normally on Saturday the 10th of May. We have made it quite clear from the beginning that if we have to go to the payment structure they demand, then we will have to reduce the shifts and therefore get rid of 120 people" he said

Throughout this process CTSA maintained the rights of employees to express their grievances through industrial action, but cautioned against the business consequences of the protracted action. Speaking on the impact, Horni said "we will now review and table our losses in order to place corrective measures in place for the sustained competitiveness of the business within the industry." Horni goes on to state that "we are pleased that through proper planning and the professionalism of the teams we were able to meet the needs of our Original Equipment (OE) clients and replacements markets with minimal disruption."

Continental remains committed to its employees and investment within South Africa, and looks forward to getting back to full production in servicing its clients and the market at large.