Striking workers at tobacco company Philip Morris International on Wednesday blocked the main road leading to the firm’s Boksburg factory with burning tyres. Workers have been on strike since September when management offered them an 8% increase, after they demanded 10%. They are also demanding that management revert to an old arrangement, which allowed sales representatives to have the option of purchasing company cars which are four-years-old or have clocked 180,000km. They have accused management of handing them cellphone bills of up to R12,000 on resigning from the company. Their anger is further fuelled by management’s refusal to recognise their union‚ the Amalungelo Workers Union (AWU). Management has also been accused of selectively awarding 13th cheques to senior managers at the expense of the entire workforce. Workers refused to identify themselves and referred inquiries to their union representative‚ Daniel Maluleke‚ who was not immediately available to comment. They denie...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.