Solidarity urges trade unions, Phiyega to keep a tight rein on strikers

Trade union Solidarity today urged striking trade unions and National Police Commissioner, Riah Phiyega, to keep violent strikers on a tight rein. The trade union also expressed concern about several incidents of violence and intimidation due to the current strike in the metal and engineering industry that have already been reported to the police.

Thousands of members of the five trade unions on strike in the metal and engineering sector have been striking since yesterday. In addition, at many workplaces strikers have already begun to demand that all operations cease immediately and have threatened to resort to violence if their demands are not met.

According to Gideon du Plessis, General Secretary of Solidarity, the trade union has learnt that numerous incidents of intimidation and violence in which non-striking workers and their vehicles have been stoned, have already been reported to the police. "This morning, a number of Solidarity members have been threatened and intimidated at bus and taxi ranks by strikers. Drivers taking non-strikers to work have also been threatened by the strikers," Du Plessis says.

Du Plessis says that Solidarity therefore appeals to striking trade unions to restrain their members. "It is the duty of all trade unions to maintain law and order at all times. It is unacceptable that violence against innocent people is used as a means to an end. Furthermore, we are appealing to the police and Ms Phiyega, in particular, to protect employers and non-striking workers, thereby restoring the rule of law," Du Plessis says.

Du Plessis emphasised that, as was the case during the recent platinum strike, workers' right to work again has to compete with the right to strike. "This conflict of rights is posing a major threat to our democratic and constitutional dispensation. It is a compelling issue which has to urgently receive the attention of all parties involved," Du Plessis added.

Statement issued by Gideon du Plessis, General Secretary, Solidarity, July 2014

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