EMPLOYERS IN THE CHEMICAL, WOOD AND PAPER SECTOR MUST MEET WORKERS DEMANDS
The SACP is extremely concerned by the intransigent natures of the employers in the chemical industry, wood and paper sector to come to the party to resolve the strike that began as far back as the 4th of July 2011. This signals the deep seated arrogance of capitalists in our country.
The wage gap in these sectors between the top executives and the lowest paid worker like in the case of SASOL is 400 times more. This is indeed a shame. It is about time that a proposal contained in the New Growth Path of a wage freeze for top executives is implemented with speed if we are to fight inequality and poverty in our country.
The SACP fully supports the demands of the workers for a wage increase of a consumer price index plus 5% across board. The SACP further calls on government to speed up legislation to totally ban labour brokers, our modern day slave owners.
Labour brokers have contributed to the process of casualisation of work which has had an effect on the nature of work and the quality of remuneration and other benefits of workers. The process of casualisation of labour has been very intense in the sectors organized by CEPPWAWU.
There is a proliferation of labour brokering, temporary employment through fixed term contracts and outsourcing of labour. This social engineering on the part of the capitalists has led to fragmentation and divisions amongst workers in the workplaces and undermines one of the SACP's MTV Goal of building working class power and influence in the work place. The use of labour brokers is also an attack on workers right to unionization.
The SACP calls on the employers to come to their senses and speedily settle the strike.
Statement issued by the SACP, July 22 2011
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