Striking workers from Crimson Loo (Pty) Ltd in Louis Trichardt say they will not budge until their demands for better salaries are met. The workers, affiliated to the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW), have been on strike since Tuesday, 25 April. On Tuesday, 2 May, they had still not returned to work.
The strike follows a meeting between NUPSAW and the employer in August last year, in which they failed to reach an agreement. "We cannot allow our workers to continue suffering, and that is why we will not stop this strike until our demands are met," said Ms Joyce Ndou, one of the organisers of the strike.
Mr Quintin Sillands, manager of the Crimson Loo Factory, said the union refused to accept the company's offer, but that the company would not stop operating. "There are a few of our workers who are afraid to report for work because they feel intimidated by the union members, but work will resume as usual," he said.
NUPSAW's demands include a minimum wage of R8 500, overtime for weekends and public holidays, according to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and proper uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE). They further demand a night shift allowance of R60 per hour, and that hours be limited to 180 per month.
As some of the workers mix powders that could be hazardous to their health, they also want a milk allowance of R250 per month. Lastly, the union demands that the employees receive their payslips at least two days before the pay date.