NUMSA says strike at Macsteel has come to an end two weeks after workers downed tools

JOHANNESBURG - Metal workers' union NUMSA said the strike at steel maker Macsteel has come to an end two weeks after workers downed tools.

Last week, NUMSA accused the company of forcefully retrenching workers and issuing voluntary severance packages without consulting the union.

The union claimed the section 189 process instituted by the company was a sham.

READ: NUMSA condemns Macsteel management over 'hostile' retrenchments

Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said Macsteel has backpeddled on retaining workers with their full benefits, wages and conditions.

"Only five workers who did not take up the vacancies which were offered opted to take their packages. The union has resolved to meet with these workers to ascertain whether indeed that is their final position on the matter, and to make sure that they understand that that whatever job they had chosen at Macsteel, even if it was a lower position/grade, the union has ensured that they will not lose their salary scale in terms of grades."