Hundreds of workers at the South African Bureau of Standards have downed tools during a demonstration outside the company’s headquarters in Pretoria.
The South African Bureau of Standards works with various laboratories across the country, to amongst others, test various items to promote and maintain standards and certification. Those responsible for these duties have embarked on an indefinite strike action after efforts to negotiate with the employer at the bargaining forum failed.
The union is seeking to approach the new minister of Trade, Industry and Competition in the hopes of resolving the current impasse. “Since section 189, there’s been a lot of unfair treatment towards employees, the company morale is very down at this stage and it seems like management doesn’t really care,” a worker laments.