JOHANNESBURG – Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) Secretary General Zwelinzima Vavi has accused employer association Neasa of being greedy and declaring war against the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) members.
Vavi was reacting to news that Neasa – which refused to sign a wage agreement to end the strike in the metals industry – has been locking out Numsa members at its factories since the strike ended last week.
He says bosses are unreasonable for rejecting the wage settlement.
Neasa refused to sign the wage offer, claiming it had been side-lined in the negotiation process facilitated by the labour department.
Vavi says by refusing to sign the agreement the employer association is widening divisions within the sector.
The Neasa says the wage offer is unaffordable and will cripple the industry if implemented.
But Vavi accused Neasa of longing for the days when employers could force workers to accept whatever the boss offers with no union to protect them from exploitation, abuse and racism at work.
(Edited by Refilwe Pitjeng)
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