Red tide sweeps through Durban CBD
Protesting workers from the engineering sector were in high spirits ahead of the nationwide NUMSA strike in Durban on Tuesday.
The National Union of Metalworkers of SA NUMSA’s Engineering wage negotiation strike which began around the country this morning started peacefully in Durban.
Protesters were in high spirits as they gathered at King Dinuzulu Park opposite the Durban Christian Centre, singing dancing and even toyi-toying to thunderous music.
They would march to City Hall, where Irvin Jim, general secretary of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA is expected to speak to workers.
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A sea of red moves down Dr Pixley KaSeme Street in Durban. Photo: Yena Nomhle Luthuli via Twitter
Durban police appeared well prepared for the possibility of violence, with Metro and SAPS vehicles parked outside the park and some already stationed around City Hall.
Irvin Jim said that the decision to embark on an indefinite strike was a difficult one because of the no work, no pay policy of employers.
Workers from all areas of the metal and engineering sector have downed tools and prepared for an indefinite strike.
The union is demanding a 12 per cent salary increase, the scrapping of labour brokers and a one-year bargaining agreement, while employers have offered a seven to eight percent increase.
Many business on the march route reportedly have closed for the duration of the strike.
