WATCH: Africa Steel and Tube workers down tools

The Africa Steel and Tube (AST) workers protested against the company over salary increases and ill-treatment at 15 Dan Jacobs Street, Alrode, in the Alberton area, on June 7.

The workers demanded safe, fair and equal treatment of workers, as well as reasonable salary increases. Kathorus MAIL spoke to AST employees, who requested to remain anonymous.

According to them, the protest began on June 3, after the employer’s alleged failure to meet and negotiate salary increase demands with workers.

One worker said when he tried to request an increase the manager allegedly told them once they enter the premises of AST, they are entering China.

“He said anyone who wants an increase can leave, the doors are open. He said the company will find people to replace us,” he said.

He said workers are receiving around R3 900 gross, which they said is not enough to get through the month.

Another worker said they placed two options on the table for the employer – they proposed a salary of R8 500 or alternatively R7 500.

Secretary-general of the Industrial Manufacturing and Commercial Workers Union Peter Mngomezulu said the workers are demanding fair treatment and a salary increase.

He said the employer is not willing to meet the worker’s demands.

He echoed the ill-treatment allegations by workers, citing that the company is intimidating workers to unsubscribe to unions.

“As a union, we attended the protest on June 7 because it was understood that workers were blocking trucks from entering the premises. This is wrong, they can only attempt to persuade the drivers to join them,” said Mngomezulu.

Kathorus MAIL contacted Africa Steel and Tube for comment, which needs to be received.

More details on the story will be shared once made available.