This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers.
One-hundred and fifty Transnet workers in the engineering sector have been instructed to return to work, after Numsa's national office suspended their strike.
Numsa members employed at Transnet's wagons business continued to picket outside the Uitenhage plant on Thursday, with only one demand on the table, that the union be recognised.
Addressing the media,Transnet CEO, Brian Molefe, says the lockout was lifted on Wednesday for workers who wanted to return to work.
Molefe says Transnet cant accede to their single demand as Numsa does not meet the minimum threshold.
"Numsa national offices sent us a letter saying they are suspending the strike. Technically because the strike is suspended by Numsa, and our lockout has been lifted until tomorrow morning [Friday], we are in a situation where workers can come to work anytime." says Molefe.
Meanwhile, Numsa representative, Thando Kusani, says Transnet and other trade unions are refusing to do membership verification that would prove whether Numsa has sufficient representation to be recognised.
"From now we have a dispute that we have launched through the CCMA, for the interpretation and application of the current collective agreement. Pending the outcome we will consider to call our members out again. Remember this is the suspension of the strike, it has not been called off. We suspend the strike pending that particular dispute." says Kusani.
