business

June 19, 2021

STAFF REPORTER

2 min read

Factory workers mull another strike

Factory workers mull another strike

Factory workers blocking the Thetsane road during their strike earlier in May

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FACTORY workers are planning another strike, saying the government has failed to keep its word of increasing their wage by 20 percent like they had requested.

This after the Ministry of Labour and Employment this week released a gazette that instead offered the workers a 14 percent salary increment.

One of the factory workers ’Makhotso Makateng said they did not get what they wanted, adding that they also expected their arrears from April.

“The government should expect another strike because it appears to be fighting us instead of fighting for us against these foreigners who exploit us,” she said.

According to a statement released by the Labour ministry, factory workers’ wages will be increased by 14 percent while other sectors will get a nine percent increment.
It says the government opted for the increment in order to respond to the fact that the workers’ wages were not increased in 2020/2021.
The increments, the statement further says will be implemented effective from July 1.

 

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Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro had earlier appealed to the workers to suspend their strike, adding that their grievances were being addressed.

Factory workers went on strike on May 14 demanding government to release gazettes for their salary increment for 2020/2021 and 2021/2022.

In 2018 they managed to negotiate a M2 120 minimum wage. LeNA

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