The fired workers that were protesting outside the Avon Peaking Power Plant this morning, have dispersed for the day but vowed to be back tomorrow.
Shop stewards and KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu will meet tomorrow in Stanger while the mob is expected to continue protest action at the plant.
With public order police keeping watch, Mthembu addressed the workers this morning, declaring his support for them, saying that Group 5’s attitude was the kind of attitude that caused the Marikana massacre in 2013.
Mthembu said he was very unhappy with Group 5’s handling of the issue.
“We allowed this plant to be built in this area on condition that employment be created for local people,” he said.
Construction came to a halt eight weeks ago when workers were dismissed and Avon Peaking Power Plant construction director, Pascal Bourdeaux, said the project was eight weeks behind schedule.
“The consequences of this industrial action are far reaching, affecting Eskom, the national department of energy, Group 5, Avon, and the country as a whole in terms of load shedding,” said Bourdeaux.
About 500 striking Group 5 construction workers were fired on July 29 after refusing to work longer hours because they would not be able to catch taxis after 7pm.
This morning’s demonstrations follow a related incident that took place on August 26 in which disgruntled workers set fire to the electrical Mesa U1 building, threw stones at cars and buildings and attacked a Group 5 manager.
The fire damaged most of the equipment in building, which had to be replaced.
