The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) confirms a strike by workers at the cement producing company PPC at Hercules in Pretoria over wage increases. Workers are embarking on a protected strike over the company’s refusal to bargain on wage increases. This comes after the NUM gave PPC a notice to strike on the 4th April 2019 and workers commenced with the industrial action on the 9th April 2019. The strike has entered its ninth day today.
 
The NUM is demanding a salary increase of 12% across the board, a housing allowance of R1 500 and transport allowance for shift workers of R750 to be back dated to 1st October 2018.
 
“We are determined to fight for our rights as workers. Workers are determined to proceed with the strike in support of their demands. We signed a collective agreement granting us organizational rights as a majority union, so the company should meet our demands," said NUM Branch Chairperson Surprise Baloyi.
 
PPC is the leading supplier of cement in southern Africa. The company produces aggregates, metallurgical-grade lime, burnt dolomite and limestone.
 
The NUM demands the company to close the wage gaps that exist within PPC. The company management is creating the wage gaps instead of closing them.
 

Issued by The National Union of Mineworkers