MTN strikers vent their frustrations on innocent motorists
MTN says it is committed towards putting contingency measures in place to minimize disruptions at its operation amid a strike which entered its fifth week on Monday.
A post on social media site, Twitter on Tuesday cautioned motorists to avoid the road (14th Avenue) passing the mobile operator’s headquarters in Johannesburg – claiming damage to vehicles, adding that people had been assaulted.
The Communications Workers Union (CWU) is spearheading the strike in a messy battle with MTN.
The mobile network won a court order against CWU last week to stop the union from blocking entrances to MTN’s offices and intimidating staff.
CWU has demanded an 8% bonus payment which MTN agreed to. The company said that it tabled an additional 8.33% plus 4% for the year 2016 which ramped up MTN’s offer to 12% bonus payment.
“This is significantly better than what the CWU initially demanded,” it said.
MTN said it has continued to negotiate with the union in good faith, including calling for the independent audit of CWU’s membership to address the contentious issue of union recognition at MTN.
MTN proposed binding final arbitration which the union has categorically rejected.
“Once again, MTN emphatically rejects the allegation that it employs casual workers. The non-MTN staff are employees working for third party vendors. In line with the requirements outlined in the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, MTN has been paying employees working on Sundays and public holidays, contrary to CWU’s claims,” the operator said.
Themba Nyathi, chief human resources officer: MTN South Africa, said the company has put contingency measures in place to minimize disruptions.
Citing the violence that has marred the strike since it commenced last month, Nyathi said that MTN secured a court interdict that restrains striking employees and other participants from coming within a 100 meter radius of any of MTN’s premises for the duration of the industrial action.
This interdict was sought in a bid to safeguard the lives of its employees and company infrastructure and facilities.
“The unintended consequence of the interdict was that the strikers vented their frustrations on innocent motorists who had nothing to do with the dispute.”
“We have a strong contingent of law enforcement officers comprising of members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) outside our premises in Johannesburg.”
“We wish to appeal once again to the CWU to rein in their striking members, violence and intimidation is not the solution,” said Nyathi.
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