Sofia Martinez
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has been involved in a plastic industry strike since 2018, with the most recent development occurring in May 2024. NUMSA members in the plastics sector are striking due to the reduction of wages, poor working conditions, and employers paying less than the National Minimum Wage of R20 per hour. NUMSA has faced accusations of violence and illegal strike action, but these claims have been refuted, and the Labour Court has ruled that the strike is legal. NUMSA vows to continue the strike until workers' demands are met.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 15 October 2018 |
| Reason | To demand the total restoration of workers' benefits and conditions as stipulated in the MEIBC Main Agreement |
| Workers' demands | A 15% salary hike |
| Number of workers | At least 10,000 |
| Status | Ongoing |
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What You'll Learn
- The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) condemns the violence of the bosses in the plastic strike
- NUMSA refutes false claims made by employers in the plastics sector
- NUMSA demands that employers in the plastics sector support the extension of the Main Agreement on wages, terms, and conditions of employment
- NUMSA members are on strike due to unsafe working conditions and very low pay
- NUMSA intensifies the plastic industry strike until workers' demands for a 15% salary hike are met
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) condemns the violence of the bosses in the plastic strike
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has condemned the actions of the bosses during the plastic strike, which began on 15 October 2018. NUMSA has accused the bosses of intransigency and psychological violence, claiming that they are prolonging the strike to starve workers into submission. NUMSA also refuted claims by employers in the plastics sector that the strike was illegal and denied allegations of violence, intimidation, and vandalism. The union asserted that its members know how to conduct themselves during a strike and on picket lines.
NUMSA stated that the root of the strike was the employers' unilateral decision to vary down workers' wages and benefits and worsen their working conditions. The employers had reduced the minimum wage from R40 to R20 per hour, which was lower than the National Minimum Wage of R20 per hour. NUMSA argued that this was an act of economic violence, subjecting workers to poverty wages that were unfit to sustain human life. The union also demanded the total restoration of workers' benefits and conditions as stipulated in the MEIBC Main Agreement.
During the strike, a security guard, Lesley Lekgalake Mphahlele, died after being doused with petrol and set alight. NUMSA sent its condolences to his family and friends and denied any responsibility for the incident, which took place at a company where the union was not organized. The union accused the bosses of continuing to inflict brutality on its members and trying to force them to accept agreements that would further worsen their working conditions.
NUMSA vowed to continue with the plastic industry strike until workers' demands were met. A spokesperson for the union, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, stated that they would be intensifying the strike and mobilizing all workers in the plastics sector to join. NUMSA called on all its members to defend their rights and demand a living wage.
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NUMSA refutes false claims made by employers in the plastics sector
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has refuted false claims made by employers in the plastics sector. NUMSA has been on strike since October 15, 2018, demanding a total restoration of workers' benefits and conditions as stipulated in the MEIBC Main Agreement. NUMSA accuses the employers of unilaterally reducing wages, benefits, and worsening working conditions. The union also demands that plastics employers agree to support the request of the Minister of Labour for the extension of the Main Agreement to ensure that all plastic sector employees receive agreed-upon wages and employment conditions.
NUMSA has repeatedly denied allegations of violence, intimidation, and vandalism made by the employers. The union claims that the employers launched a propaganda campaign, falsely claiming that the strike was illegal and using it as a basis for a court application to block the strike. NUMSA emphasizes its experience and maturity in conducting strikes and picket lines. They express sadness over the death of a security guard, Lesley Lekgalake Mphahlele, who succumbed to his injuries after being doused with petrol and set alight. NUMSA rejects claims by the PCSA that they are responsible for the violence that led to the death of the worker.
NUMSA condemns the intransigency and psychological violence inflicted by the bosses on the workers in the plastics strike. By prolonging the strike, the bosses have put their members in a starving position. NUMSA also accuses the employers of exposing workers to unsafe working conditions and very low pay, refusing even to pay the poverty wage of R20 per hour. The union highlights that the lowest-paid worker was earning R46 per hour due to agreements under the MEIBC, but the proposed National Minimum Wage of R20 per hour has emboldened employers to drastically reduce wages.
NUMSA is determined to continue the strike until their demands are met. They call on all their members in the plastics sector to join the strike and intensify it until employers negotiate. NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola stated that the employers' application for an interdict was meant to victimize workers and prevent them from making their demands. NUMSA also dismisses the comments made by Plastics Converters of South Africa (PCSA) CEO Johan Pieterse, accusing him of being a racist bully attempting to impose the Apartheid system on workers in the plastics sector.
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NUMSA demands that employers in the plastics sector support the extension of the Main Agreement on wages, terms, and conditions of employment
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has been on strike since October 15, 2018, demanding that employers in the plastics sector support the extension of the Main Agreement on wages, terms, and conditions of employment. NUMSA has accused employers in the plastics industry of subjecting their members to unsafe working conditions, very low pay, and economic violence. The union claims that some employers are paying less than the National Minimum Wage of R20 per hour, which was introduced by the ANC-led government and has resulted in a reduction in wages for workers in the sector. NUMSA also refutes claims by employers that the strike is illegal and denies allegations of violence, intimidation, and vandalism. NUMSA is calling for a total #PlasticsShutdown and demands that employers agree to the extension of the Main Agreement to ensure that agreed-upon wages and conditions of employment are applicable to all employees in the plastics sector, regardless of whether they are party to a plastics sector employer's organisation. NUMSA members are demanding a living wage and improved working conditions, and they will continue the strike until their demands are met.
NUMSA has faced opposition from employer groups in the plastics sector, who have been accused of undermining the gains made by workers. These employers have unilaterally reduced wages, benefits, and worsened working conditions. The introduction of a regional dispensation and wage differentials is among the changes they are trying to impose. NUMSA argues that the employers selectively comply with MEIBC Agreements, such as the Pension Fund Agreement and the Dispute Resolution Agreement, while disregarding others related to wages and benefits. The union also condemns the intransigence and psychological violence inflicted on workers by prolonging the strike, resulting in hardship for its members.
The Plastics Converters Association of South Africa (PCA) and the Plastic Converters of South Africa (PCSA) have attempted to block the strike through court interdicts, alleging that NUMSA is responsible for violence during the strike. NUMSA rejects these claims and condemns the employers' attempts to intimidate workers and prevent them from making their demands. The Labour Court dismissed the employers' application, ruling that the strike is legal. NUMSA is intensifying its efforts by mobilizing workers across the plastics sector to join the strike and calling for a #LivingWageToday.
NUMSA's demands for the extension of the Main Agreement highlight the union's commitment to ensuring consistent and fair wages, terms, and conditions of employment for all workers in the plastics sector. By demanding that employers support the extension, NUMSA seeks to protect the rights and improve the working conditions of its members in the industry. The union's stance against the employers' unilateral changes and their defense of workers' rights demonstrate their unwavering support for their members. NUMSA's efforts to negotiate better wages and working conditions in the plastics sector reflect their dedication to improving the lives of South African metalworkers.
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NUMSA members are on strike due to unsafe working conditions and very low pay
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has been on strike since 15 October 2018, demanding a total restoration of workers' benefits and conditions. NUMSA members are facing unsafe working conditions and very low pay, with employers in the plastic sector guilty of extreme abuse. The employers have unilaterally reduced wages and benefits and worsened working conditions. For instance, the minimum wage has been reduced from R40 to R20 per hour, and the Leave Enhancement Pay (bonus) has been taken away. Furthermore, they have increased the hours of work from 40 to 45 per week. NUMSA is also demanding that plastic employers agree to support the request of the Minister of Labour to extend the Main Agreement, which includes agreed wages and other substantive conditions of employment.
NUMSA has faced accusations of violence, intimidation, and vandalism during the strike. However, they have repeatedly refuted these claims, stating that they are a non-violent trade union. Unfortunately, a security guard, Lesley Lekgalake Mphahlele, died after being attacked allegedly by workers participating in the strike. NUMSA has expressed its condolences to the family and rejected claims of responsibility for the incident.
The union has also accused the employers of prolonging the strike, resulting in members starving as they are unable to earn their daily wages. NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola stated that the employers' application for an interdict was an attempt to victimize workers and prevent them from making their demands. Despite the challenges, NUMSA remains resolute in its decision to continue the strike until workers' demands are met.
In May 2024, thousands of workers demanded a 15% salary hike, intensifying the strike across the plastics sector. NUMSA members are determined to defend their rights and secure a living wage, even if it means downing tools indefinitely. The union's position was strengthened by a Labour Court ruling that deemed the strike legal. NUMSA continues to call on all its members in the plastics sector to unite and stand together until employers come to the negotiating table with a fair offer.
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NUMSA intensifies the plastic industry strike until workers' demands for a 15% salary hike are met
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has intensified its strike in the plastic industry until workers' demands for a 15% salary hike are met. NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola stated that they will be mobilizing all workers in the plastics sector to join the strike and escalate it until employers negotiate. This decision comes after a Labour Court ruling affirmed the legality of the strike, rejecting employers' attempts to block it through court interdicts.
NUMSA's strike in the plastics sector began in October 2018 and was sparked by employers' unilateral decisions to worsen workers' wages and benefits. The employers reduced the minimum wage, eliminated bonuses, and increased working hours, leading to a call for a #PlasticsShutdown. NUMSA accused the employers of abuse and exploitation, highlighting their non-compliance with the MEIBC Main Agreement, which outlines agreed-upon wages and working conditions for the industry.
The union has faced accusations of violence and intimidation during the strike, which they have strongly refuted. They have expressed grief over the death of a security guard, allegedly attacked by striking workers, while also condemning the brutality inflicted by employers on their members. NUMSA members have experienced unsafe working conditions, low pay, and attempts to force them into accepting agreements that further deteriorate their working conditions.
The ongoing strike at ITB Plastics, owned by NOVUS Holdings, is a part of this broader movement. NUMSA's regional secretary, Mbuso Ngubane, accused ITB Plastics and Isithebe Consulting Solutions (ICS) of flouting labour laws and failing to recognize the humanity of their workers. With the support of thousands of workers, NUMSA remains resolute in its demand for fair wages and improved working conditions in the plastic industry.
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Frequently asked questions
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) called for a total National #PlasticsShutdown in 2018. The strike was in response to the employers' undermining of workers' benefits and conditions, unsafe working conditions, and very low pay.
NUMSA demanded that employers in the plastics sector support the extension of the Main Agreement on substantive wages, terms, and conditions of employment. The union also wanted to end the abuse and exploitation of workers, including unsafe working conditions and low pay.
Yes, the NUMSA plastic strike is still ongoing as of May 2024. NUMSA has vowed to continue the strike until workers' demands are met.
The workers in the NUMSA plastic strike are demanding a 15% salary hike and improved working conditions, including a return to the Grade H minimum wage of R40 per hour and the reinstatement of the Leave Enhancement Pay (bonus). They are also calling for a #LivingWageToday.
