Update
GEORGE NEWS - The strike at MTO Forestry’s George sawmill is over and operations are back to normal after workers were intimidated and attacked earlier this week.
About 60 employees of MTO Foresty downed tools on Monday morning to protest for, among other things, a minimum wage of R4 200.
The employees, who were protesting under the banner of the National Certificated Fishing & Allied Workers Union (NCFAWU), vowed to protest until their demands are met.
According to MTO’s Chief People Officer, Gretchen Blake, a series of meetings with the union was held over the past two days to resolve issues in dispute.
‘’There was a high level involvement from both the company and the union. Two days ago (Tuesday) we made an offer to the union and it was rejected by their members, so yesterday MTO looked at ways to resolve the deadlock,” she said on Thursday.
MTO met with union representatives until late on Wednesday night before an agreement was reached.
Blake labelled the agreement a “win-win situation” to both parties.
“This allows for us to settle down and get back to work. We will continue to give support and counsel to people who were attacked during the strike to make sure they recover fully,” said Blake.
According to Blake four people were assaulted during the strike. 3 were beaten and 1 person sustained a very serious head injury.
They were all taken to Mediclinic George and have since been discharged.
Investigations into the attacks are underway.
“We do not condone intimidation or any similar behaviour. Our employees need to know that they are safe and that we are looking after them.
"Now we have to deal with the aftermath and rebuild trust and relationships,” Blake said.
Read previous articles:
ARTICLE: KRISTY KOLBERG, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
‘We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news’
