NULAW Strike for a 9.5% Wage Increase Continues
Media Release
15 July 2018
Thousands of footwear workers will continue with their protected strike tomorrow nationally. They are represented by the National Union of Leather and Allied Workers (NULAW) who represents the majority of workers in this sector and is affiliated to the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA).
The strike will enter its second week tomorrow and has been peaceful despite acts of police brutality against striking workers and violent intimidation by one employer said NULAW General Secretary, Ashley Benjamin.
NULAW will file complaints with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for investigation and the South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating the employer representative’s conduct. We will keep our eye on this case also.
“The constitutional rights of workers in this country must be protected, a number of employers some whom are members of the South African Footwear and Leather Industries Association have approached us to conclude plant level agreements with them but we cannot do that. How can we destroy collective bargaining and the 90th year old Leather Industry Bargaining Council? It’s not an option,” said Benjamin.
“We are calling on the employers to engage with the unions in order to find a solution to the ongoing wage strike. Both N.U.L.A.W and Southern African Clothing and Textiles Workers Union members are participating in the national strike”.
NULAW President Frank Williams and General Secretary Ashley Benjamin will be visiting and consulting members in the following areas:
Monday, 16th July at 7h30am – Watson’s Shoes, Greatbrak-River (George).
Monday, 16th July at 9h00am – Oudtshoorn
Monday, 16th July at 13h30pm – Port Elizabeth
Tuesday, 17th July at 9h00am – Parow, Cape Town.
Ends
(265 Words)
| For interviews please contact: | |
| Dennis George
FEDUSA General Secretary 084 805 1529 |
Ashley Benjamin
NULAW General Secretary 083 258 4433 |
Issued by:
Frank Nxumalo
FEDUSA Media Officer
072 637 8096
