News
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03 Oct 2012
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By NoordNuus reporter
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LEPHALALE - More than 18 000 workers nervously returned to the Medupi construction site last week following protest action which saw the project closed to parts of its labour force since Wednesday 12 September. Rumours abounded again on Tuesday that the strike would resume and reports of threats written on bathroom walls calling for violent action abounded. Northern News spoke to the Medupi GM, Roman Crookes last Thursday, who said that these kinds of rumours were unfounded and unfortunate.
Crookes explains that the aggrieved parties are workers whose contracts have come to an end due to demobilisation following the completion of certain project works.
“The process and terms of their contracts were well-explained and understood by these workers as well as unions prior to their employment. This has, however, not prevented confusion to set in and a group of 80 workers decided to protest without following the agreed processes available to deal with their grievances.”
Several workshops were held last week to remind workers how the demobilisation process works and that they should take into account that projects will come to an end and to plan ahead.
Last week Monday social networks were buzzing about an stone throwing at the site. On Thursday it was reported that the site was again being evacuated.
Crookes refutes the claims saying that there is no evidence of any stone throwing on Monday and employees evacuated prematurely on Thursday when a group of labourers gathered at administrative offices to enquire about bonuses. “It is understandable that people are nervous and on edge. Assurances that no strikes will occur cannot be given, however, Eskom is engaging with all parties and hopes to resolve all issues as soon as possible”.
Crookes says Eskom is also thankful for the political support from Lephalale mayor, Jack Maeko, as well as the premier, Cassel Mathale. “The Mayor, who was not personally involved in negotiations stepped in and spoke on radio recently urging workers to return to work peacefully.”
Public order policing units as well as private security companies remained on site this week. According to Crookes work is progressing on all six units of the station and although monetary losses occurred due to damages caused by protestors the site did not lose too much time and the project should finish on schedule.
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