BusinessLive reports that the Labour Court on Wednesday dismissed an urgent application by steel manufacturer Macsteel to interdict an ongoing wage strike.
Members of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) embarked on industrial action on 28 May after management cut workers’ salaries by 20% for the months of May, June and July due to the effects of Covid-19 on the company’s finances. “Salary is a quid pro quo for work rendered and any change that has the effect of changing an employee’s salary or remuneration package, constitutes a change to terms and conditions of employment,” the court stated. Earlier, Macsteel argued in court for the interdict to be granted, saying the process to cut salaries had been transparent and inclusive and pointing out that the company had applied for the Covid-19 UIF Temporary Employer Relief Scheme relief on behalf of employees.” But, Numsa’s general secretary Irvin Jim said the court decision was a victory for workers and their right to strike. “We hope that following this judgment management will realise the error of their ways and engage meaningfully with us on the challenges they are facing financially,” he said. Macsteel CEO Mike Benfield said the company was disappointed by, but respected, the court ruling declaring the Numsa strike as protected.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkwntane at BusinessLive
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