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Hubco metal Industries (lmdevllle): 180 workers want on strike on 3 March, demanding an increase of R1,00 an hour. .They returned to work tha following day after aanagvaant had agreed to nagotlata with an elected workere' committee. I»cor (Varaanlglng): About 200 workers aera dismissed after e two eaak pay strike In October, 1981. The workers aare mainly employed as shunters. Most of thaej aare migrants froej the Trmnakei, the Cleksl; KeaZultj and other arwae. Ae they aera no longer Iacor eeployeea the secksd workers vera told to vecete their rooms et the Iscor hostel. Their dlsalssel would elao have meant their removal to the bentuetans (Soeetmn, 20.10.81). Strikes et Jays, Lovable, and Raw Clothing (all three In Johannesburg): Strikes at tha above clothing factories have annoyed the TUCSA-affiliated unions to ahlch tha workers belong. The strikes in support of higher wages, have occurred in the context of a new aage agreement to be negotiated by employers, the Garment Workers' Union and the National Union of Clothing Workers. The agreement la to be negotiated in march, end will take effect In Jul/. The unions hove Issued e earning that 'workers must not think* they can strike and negotiate their omn increase over and ebove thm union increase*! They appealad to workers not to take this issue Into their own hands in the interim (ROM, 24.02.62). Also erne strikes et 8A weatherwear, Suki Crmeford, RUB Ores*, Adonis Knitwear, Remerque tear, JH hwrachsbergp end Patona and Baldwins Textiles, in this Issue of VIP, and e forthcoming article. Johannesburg underwear firm: Over 300 woHcers struck et this fine over mage demands. They rejected a R1,00 attendance bonus end demmnded a RS,(X) incraasa In weekly wages. The workers claim that they were ordered to leave If they refused to accept tha bonua offer (ROM, 10.02.82). No further name. Kroat Brothers (hwtrriotdale): A dispute Involving union recognition arose et this firm. workers sent a petition to their employers celling for the llelson ccewtlttee to be disbanded end replaced by a shop stewards committee of etAJU. The firm's managing director agreed to diabend the llelson committee and ask the woikerw to elect e nee one until such time ee eVenJ had been formally recognised. He added that MA*u shop stewards would only be recognised whan tha union gained recognition. At this point, 1 300 workers went on etrlke. After negotiations with avwu, the company agreed to recognise union shop stewards, and to sign a mrlttmn recognition egremment with the union. The workers then agieed to cell off their 1 day strike (Star, 04.02.82). Kuaak Dairy (Vest Rand): On Thuadey, 12 March. 90 workers from this, the only dairy in the area, stopped work. The etrlke Involved dissstisfaction over deduction from their wages. Abel van Vyk, managing director of the delry, eeid that he feared that the strike would continue, but he hoped to have the workers back et their Jobs on Monday. The remainder of the only two reports on this strike dealt with practical arrangements for peopls to gat milk, including thw involvement of Radio Hlghveld. Lasher Tools (Germiston); More then 2O0 employees (thw entire workforce) et Lasher Tools went on strike on 1 February, 1962. They demanded en increase of Hi ,00 an hour. One of the workers told e reporter that thev ware being paid R2S,00 a week (Star, 03.02.82). No further news. Lovable (see Jays). McKachMe Brothers (eadeviHe): Over 1 000 workers downed tools on 1 March demanding an Increase of R1,00 an hour. The demand was later charged to one for a R2,00 aft hour minimum wage. After three devs the worksra agreed to return to work, on condition thet management negotiates on their later demand. Kampak Recycling Industrisa (Edenvale): About 75 workers went on strike in support of a R1,00 an hour Increase. The following day the workers had returned to work pending talks between management end the FOSATU-effllleted Paper, Mood and Allied workers' Union leter thet months (Star, 04.02.82). No further news. Patons and Baldwins Textiles (Rendfontein); A three hour work stoppage occurred at this firm on 8 February. Over 200 workers threatened to go on etrlke if money that had bean deducted from their wages ems not returned to them. Negotiations began between management end the Textile Workers' Union. The workers agreed to return to work on condition that management suspend ell further deductions while negotiations were taking place. The explanation thet management gave for the deductions was that the computer had meda tax deductions that were too low during 1981. A spokesperson for the union said that It was trying to get a full explanation from management and would then decide on possible further ection (Sew*tan, 09.02.82). Power Steel (wadeville): For information of earlier strike action aae WP 21:56. An undisclosed rx*rt>er of workers damned tools in early March, demanding mage increases. Vorker representetives and management T * reported to be holding talks (Sowetan, 03.03.82). No further news. • Rand Scrap Iron (Germlston): 500 workers downed tools at this plant on 10 mwrch, 1982, asking for higher wages. The company alleged that striking workers had stoned vehlclee attempting to enter the plant. About 150 workers returned to work and management eeid they would take back most of the rest, sxcept for those who had been involved in stone throwing (BOM, 11.03.82). page 30 Remarque Wwar (Doornfontein, Johannesburg): On Tuesday, 2 march, more than 100 workers at this clothing firm went on strike, over the dismissal of e shop steward who had taken wage dmwande to management, The workers went beck to work shortly efter the strike began efter being granted a R2,00 weakly increase, and having tha shop steward reinstated. Ram Clothing (see Jeys). RmB Dress flBWEm 1: * brief steppage occurred on 12 March. Ho further news. SA Abbatolr Company (Krugersdorp): Workers downed tools at this firm protesting about tha dismissal of a unman shop steward. The general secretary of the CUBA-affiliated Food, Beverage and Allied Workers' Union said thet the firm had previously refused to recognise the union because it was not registered. He claimed the union had a membership of about 200 workers at tha plant (ROM, 02.03.02). The following day workers returned to work after assurances from management that no further workers mould be fired (Star, 03.03.82). Sapakoa Tea Plantations (Tzaneen): MP has Juet come across a report dating back to late last year, and referring to strikes at the Sapakoa Tea Plantations* It appears that on Friday, 30 October, 1961, 400 women frtjm the company's Grenshoek tea plantation marched on Tinmen. They eere stopped by pollcs when about ten kea, from the town. On Saturday morning they ware paid off, but management said that the next Monday, 2 November, they were all back at work. On Monday, 2 November, 600 workers from the Hlddelkop plantation marched on Tzaneen, but were, in turn stopoed by police a few kas from Tzaneen. They eere said to have been carrying flags, sticks and singing while marching in an orderly column. DJ Penwill, managing director of the company, eeid that they had no mage demands, although an amount of a monthly increase of R36,00 had been mentioned (Seeld, 03.11.81). Ww have no further information on these events. • SA epatherwmsr (mayfair, Johannesburg): On 9 March, 1962, workers struck demanding wage increases. They returned to eork tha following day efter management had offered a R5,Q0 par weak production bonus. Sharp: A strike at a firm Identified as 'Sharp' by workwrs was mentioned in e report (ROM, 04.03.82). Sukl iCrawfqrg (Johannesburg): A brief stoppage took place on 12 March. 39 workers struck demanding wage incraases. They returned to eork after they had been promised a R3,00 weakly increase. Transvaal mailamble Foundries: 360 workers refused
&C..31 to work in protest against tha dismissal of two colleagues* MX "*re dismissed but later reemploy** (Star, 05*03.62). Unilever (Boksburg): About 200 writer* et the Lever Brothers plant struck for o few hours on 25 February. This wee in protest over the dismissal of some of their colleagues. The return to work happened In tereis of a dispute procedure agreed upon by the CU&A-effiliated Food, Beverage and Allied workers* Union and Unilever laat rwjvember* A Wolff General Engineers (taltltu, Pratorle): At this factory 40 coloured painter* and welders resigned. They were protesting about the fact that they were to be replaced by african workers. One of then said, •If blexka take our poaitions they will work for lastpay* (Star. 21.01.62). aoltube (Cwrmleton): About ?60 workers struck demanding the dlsajissal of a white security guard. He was dismissed two days later and the atrlkers returned to work* KATAL Beta (trading as KweZulu Shoe Cofrpanv) (Loskop, near Cetcourt): this factory is owned Jointly by the (Canadian based) Beta company (holding a teo thirds share), and the state**. Corporation for Economic Development (CEO) (one third share). The F08ATU-affiliated National Union of Textile Woxkere (MJTw) has been active in organising tha workers at the factory. At a union meeting a woman worker nad coaplslned of ill-treatment by a supervisor at tha firm. She wee subseojuantly dl&misssed and another 100 woifeers were told that they would also be fired if they attended union meetings. On Monday, 22 February, TOO eorkara et the KSC want on strike in support of tha dismissed worker* workers ears eeid to be earning 1)14 e week. When the Industrial Council for the Leather Industry was asked to coawont on these wages, they aald that there was nothing they could do as tha factory 'was not in South Africa*! (Natal Usrcuryt 24,02.62). The IC spokeaparaon confirmed that the wages paid by the KSC were far below tha minimum laid down by tha IC for tha factories in the induetry ' ('e^n e flinking worker, responsible for cutting out the uppers, was paid a minimum of R7dt41 a week, ectordlng to tha (IC) agreement"). Philip Kotxenberg, ftsnlor llaleon officer of the CEO, said that the Corporation "did not interfere in eny of the homeland Industries' eat up by tha CEO. It was a matter between management end workers. Ha aald tha primary objective of the corporation wee to provide work in tha rural areas. It could not do thia if it had to adhere to tha minimum wages laid down for metropolitan areas by tha various Industrial councils, (Natal mercury. 2a.02.62) Obed Zume, general secretary of the NUTV, said that the matter had also been taken up with the KwaZulu Legislative Assembly and the local chief, esklng them to exert pressurs. On fednesday, Za February, workers allegedly decided to return to work, after an NUTS meeting. 'Community councillors' (?) had earlier asked ths worksrs (at management's request) to return to work. The workers refused to listen to this request. There is e considerable broek in the coverage of this strike that aa have at our disposal, dealing with tha next few weeks. It was reported on 16 March that 700 workers had been fired 'lest Thursday* (la 11 Merer*}. xn tha saw report it was said that tha NUTV said that management would not speak to them or to the KwaZulu 'labour officer*. The union also said that there had been no production at the factory since the dismissals. Howevsr, another report (Echo, supplement to the Natal (fitness, 18.03.62) said that ZA Khenyile, the KwaZulu 'labour officer' had mat with manmgeaint. Evan on the flimsy newe wa have on thia etrlke It Is obvious that there are eeverel important aspmcts to it: It draws attention to tha nature of foreign investment (some of it) in South Africa, willing to make the most of the extremely exploitable conditions that exist in tha bsntustana; it draws attention to links between foreign companies and the CEO, under the guise of providing employment opportunities; it shows up the llmltetions to the Industrial council system whan it comes to setting wages; the difficulties of organising workers In conditions of poverty end unemployment are present; and it raises the interesting aspect of the reletlonehlp between the bantustan authorities (in this cane the pro-Investment Buthelezl region) end (he workers situated etthln their areas - ehat was the line that the 'labour officer' took with the KSC management, and how did tha chief respond to the reouest that he exert pressure on the company? Hopefully one of our readers will be able to fill ua In on these and many other Questions that arise out of thia strike. Defy (Jacobs, Ourban): See) IIP21:S2. The evening shift on Monday, 1 Februory, refused to start work and by tha next day all 1 200 workers ware on strike. The issue was, once more, workers* contributions to and withdrawal from the pension fund administered through tha Induetrlal Council for tha steel industry, to which Defy belongs. The South African Allied Workers Union (SAMU), representing most of the Defy workare, were taic to be holding talks with representative* of the pension fund.Oefy dlrectora said that tha company had applied to tha Industrial Council to withdraw from the the Group metal Industries Pension Fund, and to establish a private schema. SCIFSA, the employer body in tha industi-y, said that it was examining the pension lasue * but at the monmnt contrlbutiona cannot be withdrawn unite* the employee laavea tha induetry, end then only *ft*r six montha have expired. This was already e change from the previous 'frozen' pension sltuetion (frozen until death or retirement] - e condition the earns *is that proposed and dropped In tha state's Psntion Bin. As for tha six month delay, Sam von Caller (SEIFfiA director) said that *ww have asaumad that for tha first six months after a worker loaae a Job, ha will be ebie to cleim from the uViemployment Insurance Fund' [HOM, 10.02.62), On Thursday, 4 February, after an ultimatum to return to eorkt all workers eare fired aa 'tha coapeny could no longer tolerate the eorkere* continued absence and refusal to work' (R0II, 05.02.82). Herbert 8ernabus, notional organiser of tha SAAftU, said that a workers' committee had told management that they would meat the ultimatum "if Omfy could settle the pension issue within tha next two weeks' (Natel Mercury, 09.02.62). The workare were elso awaiting tha arrival of their lawyer, Graham Dyson, from Johannesburg. Defy was reported to be taking on workers from Monday, 8 February. 8y that day tha atrlka was said (by director R Collie) to have cost tha firm ft1,4-n. Fired employe** could reapply for their Jobe but would lose long-service beneflta. No further lnfonestion at present. Herkel Chemical manufacturers (Prospecton, Ourban): Bee SIP 21:53. 230 workers were fired on 10 March after being on atrlka (from reports at hand It is not clear for now long) over pension fund refunds, wages, and the nee shift system which decreased the difference'in wee** paid to shift and day workers, Tha FOBATU-affiliated CWIU and mnagemwnt warm set to meat on 24 March. Tha International Chemical and Energy Federation (Geneva-based, with mora than 6HP affiliated workers Internationally) said that they would support a boycott of Henkel products if eorkere mere not reinstated, 75 workers had been taken bee*. Among thoee left out eaa CttlU national president, Able Cesle (Sunday Tribune, 21.03,62). (Information seams to Indicate that tha tftrtke started on Monday, 8 March). Iscor (Newcastle): Sea *IP 20:4? for coverage of the strike at thle plant. The Industrial Council for the Iron, Steal, Engineering and Metallurgical Industry, could not resolve the dispute batwean Iscor and the Black Allied workers' Union (BAKU). Tha meeting of tha IC (in October 1961) discus sad tha call by tha union for reinstatement with full pay of tha 76 fired workers. lecor would only take them beck -on merit* (Star, 15.10.B1). • McKlnnpn Cftaln (Pietermerltiburg): 90 workers, who had downed tools on Monday, 15 February, over alleged non-payaant of promised eage increesee ware evicted from the company T s premises by police that same afternoon. The next day they ware told that they had bean dismissed. A UAWU organiser had said that managament inelsted thet wege decisions be negotiated at Industrial council level. Tha union ems considering contacting tha USA parent company of VcKlnnon Chain. Mgndi Umber mill (Port Ournford, north coaat): All 131 workera (120 of them members of the FOBATlHeffiliated Paper, flood and Allied workare Union), were dismissed on Friday, 5 February, after having gone
Page 1 and 2: nr mm 1982 !'V V \ 1 i • » * s
Page 3 and 4: » DETENTIONS: Rabie Reports JUBT t
Page 5 and 6: dominate In South Africa. In these
Page 7 and 8: Ma+i-lightwd soee of the IMUN invol
Page 9 and 10: Baper* (LK8), beceuoe of *ta anti-u
Page 11 and 12: [DETENTIONS: Investigating Inquests
Page 13 and 14: peg* 11 officially performed post-m
Page 15 and 16: page 13 unless Inflicted beforw daa
Page 17 and 18: I 0-B« 15 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICA
Page 19 and 20: pega 17 oppressed BOTH by capital a
Page 21 and 22: I suthors' contention thmt it il ox
Page 23 and 24: Q ' analytical tools*( like role th
Page 25 and 26: page 2& •officiant nuebers of the
Page 27 and 28: gar. rgthnicjty: the ordinary peopl
Page 29 and 30: particularly •egaa, end hence wor
Page 31: £o natch 'their transport to gat h
Page 35 and 36: [fmgn 33 mturn to th«lr homes In t
Page 37 and 38: paga 36 - _ ' Fane Qeorge dibhole,
Page 39 and 40: peg* T/ appellant c la lea overrule
Page 41 and 42: 'ruling •tunic group'» or eo*eti
Page 43 and 44: in the 1960s extended the process o
Page 45 and 46: and othar claaa forces, began to cr
Page 47 and 48: movement (In collaboration with the
Page 49 and 50: 1939, but aoaa aaabars of the Natio
Page 51 and 52: An Important caveat needs to be wdi
Page 53 and 54: end Vorster by implication. Althoug
Page 55 and 56: of thit Cape party organisation and
Page 57 and 58: ^ — :—: __. * party, In «n ett

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