Numsa speaks on strike at Ngqura Container Terminal

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The National Union of Metalworkers of SA says it was a painful decision to embark on a strike at the Ngqura Container terminal in Port Elizabeth.

Numsa members have been on strike for more than six weeks over transport allowances, working hours and the use of labour brokers.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Numsa national treasurer, Mphumzi Maqungo, said that Transnet is now using the principle of no work no pay to blackmail workers to return to work.

He says members remain united in the picketing lines and they are vigorously prepared to forge ahead with the strike until their demands are met.

"This buries the false insinuations spread by the employer a sthe worst form of Nazistyle propaganda by Transnet bosses that our members have pleaded with them to return to work, since they will be abandoning the strike." says Maqungo.

Commenting on claims that strikers have attacked non-striking workers, Numa regional secretary, Phumzile Nodongwe, said their members were disciplined and that the union was not aware of members being arrested for arson attacks.

"Up until Numsa is made aware who is that member we will be able to deal with that situation when it arises. For now we cannot speculate and think that some of our members have been arrested, Transnet can say whatever they want to say to de-moralise some of our own people on strike." says Nodongwe.

On Thursday Transnet Port Terminals said a striking Numsa member had been arrested in connection with a spate of arson attacks on the homes of non-striking members.