BusinessLive reports that nearly a thousand Solidarity union members protested on Wednesday over pay at cash-strapped state-owned weapons manufacturer Denel.  

The company has held talks with unions on voluntary severance packages, reduced working hours and pay cuts for some staff as it struggles to emerge from a financial crisis.  It did not pay managers and specialists their full salaries in September.  The workers demonstrated after Denel said it could pay salaries in October, but salaries for November and other allowances were not guaranteed.  Solidarity’s Johan Botha said:  “We’re bringing attention to the board that they’re sitting with a huge number of unhappy and insecure employees not knowing if they’ll have an income next month.  The Denel board needs to implement a turnaround strategy as soon as possible ... to pull this issue out of the fire.”  He reported that the protesters had handed over a memorandum and a petition of grievances to Denel CEO Michael Kgobe.  Denel spokesperson, Pam Malinda, said there was no dispute between management and workers.  “There is no protected strike or lockout taking place, which may raise legal questions about the rationale and applicability of a picket,” she indicated.

• Read this report by Nomvelo Chalumbira in full at BusinessLive

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