Mpumalanga Economic Development, Environment and Tourism MEC, Mr Norman Mokoena has urged the striking workers of Komatiland Forests and their employers to return to the negotiation table in order to resolve the impasse on wage increment.
This after the Komatiland Forests workers in Mpumalanga and other provinces, under the banner of the Food and Allied Workers’ Union (FAWU), downed tools on Monday after wage talks failed.
"As government, we respect the rights of the workers as enshrined in our country's Constitution, to engage in industrial action. Our plea is for the two parties – FAWU which is representing the workers and the employer, to go back to the negotiation table in order to try and resolve the impasse. We believe that such differences can only be resolved in talks, given that the end result of an industrial action usually has unpleasant consequences for both the employer and the employees", said MEC Mokoena.
The MEC is also concerned about reports that plantations have been burned in the wake of the strike. "Burning plantations can't form part of the rules of engagement, given that such an act could have pursuant dire consequences for both parties and the socio-economic prowess of the Province. Deadlocking in negotiations is not literally the end of the road, but rather the beginning of an alternative, faster and more sustainable approach to the settlement, thus parties cannot disengage at this crucial point provided restraint prevails," concluded MEC Mokoena.
Enquiries:
Selvy Mohlala
Tel: 013 766 4132
Cell: 072 167 6149
E-mail: selvy@mpg.gov.za
