Workers at the Redstone Solar Thermal Power project in Postmasburg have embarked on industrial action in demand of a 100% wage increase.
WORKERS at Redstone Acwa Solar Thermal Power Plant in Postmasburg have embarked on industrial action in demand of wage increases of R60 per hour.
They indicated on Tuesday that they had downed tools because many workers apparently do not have contracts and they are “underpaid and oppressed”.
“The employer only wants to give us a R1 increase, where we are paid R30 per hour,” the workers said.
They added that there was a heavy police presence at the site.
“Construction is at an advanced stage although the work will continue well into 2024.”
The community liaison officer, Nomonde Mpetsheni, said the workers were demanding a 100 percent increase and were not happy with the employer’s offer.
“Negotiations are continuing and strike action is peaceful, no incidents of violence or destruction of property were reported,” said Mpetsheni.
The head of human resources and corporate social responsibility at the Redstone Solar Thermal Power project, Pulane Mogoere, said strike action started on Monday.
“No one is being allowed access to the site and construction has come to a standstill,” said Mogoere.
She added that they were waiting for a representative from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to assist after a labour dispute was declared.
“It will be in everybody’s best interests to resolve this matter as a matter of urgency.”
Mogoere indicated that the company had adopted a policy of no work, no pay.
