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Numsa calls for intervention over alleged exploitation at SA Steel Mills after worker crushed to death

Details

numsaFin24 reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) has called on the government to intervene after the death last week of a worker at the Sedibeng-based plant of SA Steel Mills.

The union asked the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) to investigate health and safety standards and the alleged exploitation of workers. In a recent statement, Numsa’s Irvin Jim said the worker, Seomogelo Mkhondwane, died when he was crushed by one of the pressing machines. Mere hours later, workers were forced to continue working, even though they were "traumatised", the union alleged. Numsa accused management of racism and of exploiting workers. "Our demands are SA Steel Mills must allow workers to elect safety reps who can be trained in health and safety protocols, a full-time health and safety shop steward elected by workers, and for SA Steel Mills to stop employing undocumented foreign nationals in violation of labour laws," Jim said. Earlier this year, the union sent a letter to the DEL, Seifsa and the metals and engineering bargaining council, accusing SA Steel Mills of the exploitation of workers at its plant in Meyerton. The union claimed "workers are exposed to a workplace where health and safety standards are undermined and violated with no consequences" and said adequate personal protection equipment (PPE) was not provided. It also accused the company of not paying workers overtime and of underpaying workers according to industry standards. SA Steel Mills has denied the claims. The management of SA Steel Mills and Numsa will meet on Monday to address the union's concerns.

  • Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Na’ilah Ebrahim at Fin24


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