UTATU'S MESSAGE TO ITS STRIKING MEMBERS 12 May 2010

Shocked by the violent acts of intimidation being performed by a few of Transnet's striking workers, Utatu, Transnet's largest trade union, has issued the following directive to its members: 

• End violence and intimidation.

· Our strike is against Transnet - not against South Africa.

• The few irresponsible members committing acts of violence and intimidation are harming our just cause.

· They are weakening the company that feeds us

• And they are turning public attention and sympathy away from us.

If we want justice we must behave justly, therefore:

• Strike well

· Strike with honour

• Strike with good sense

We workers are Transnet - not the few managers who are enriching themselves at our expense. Our legal marches, picketing and public statements will get our point across.

- Sabotaging trains and train lines makes no sense.
- We need those lines and trains to feed us and the many companies that feed Transnet.
- When we damage Transnet we are also damaging our future chances of earning decent wages
- Don't force other workers to suffer as well - they are our comrades - we need their support.

Focus on our marches and demonstrations. Don't waste time and energy intimidating the few who have not joined the strike. Some of them are comrades who want to strike but cannot afford to.

Strike with honour and determination and we will teach Transnet the folly of short-changing its workers.

Commenting on the acts of violence alleged to have been performed by striking workers, Utatu general secretary, Chris de Vos, said:

"There have been some unfortunate incidents. But the focus should rather be on the 40 000 Transnet workers who are striking legitimately - not the few who are behaving irresponsibly.
"We are doing our best to soften worker anger - but that is not easy when an employer has worked as hard as Transnet has to estrange its workforce.
"The bottom line of this strike is the waste of money and resources. All South Africans would now be better off had Transnet not opted to underpay its workers by as much as half the going rate."

Statement issued by UTATU general secretary, Chris de Vos, May 12 2010

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