The spokesperson for the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, tells OFM News that more than 4 000 Numsa members from Impala Platinum mines in Rustenburg have been provoked to take drastic action on Monday - as they are fed up with allegedly being abused by labour workers.

She says these workers, employed by various contracting companies, are exploited by earning small salaries and being denied benefits while these companies continue to reap massive profits.

"Contractors at Implats are nothing more than modern day slave traders, which is why they are working so hard to keep Numsa out of the work place."  Hlubi-Majola alleges various contract companies are ignoring a labour court order to do verifications to confirm that Numsa is the majority union.

"They are refusing to engage with us on the demands made by members," she adds.

She also says that employers need to be reminded that workers have a constitutional right to join the union of their choice without interference from management. 

Hlubi-Majola further adds that Numsa members will be gathering next to shaft 8 Freedom Park in Rustenburg to promote the strike.

OFM News