South Africa: Shack Dwellers Strike at National Print, Pinetown
southern africa |
workplace struggles |
non-anarchist press
Monday January 25, 2010 17:39 by Abahlali baseMjondolo - AbM
Press Statement 25 January 2009
150 contract workers at National Print, in Westmead, Pinetown, have walked
off the job. The night shift workers will also refuse to work tonight.
The contract workers have decided to go on strike in protest at the attempt
by the CEO to suddenly reduce their working hours and, therefore, their
income. January is the month when poor families struggle to pay school fees
and to buy school uniforms, books and stationery. This is a very bad time
for people to suddenly lose most of their income.
About 70% of the contact workers at National Print are shack dwellers, most
from the Abahlali baseMjondolo strongholds of Motala
Heights,New Maus and
Mpola.
We have successfully resisted eviction from our settlements and we will also
resist eviction from our workplaces.
The economy is in crisis due to the extreme greed of the rich. We have
worked hard and done our work well. We are not to blame for the crisis. It
is common sense that no one should take more than they need for themselves
and their family. It is also common sense that no one should be able to take
less than they need for themselves and their family. Everyone in this world
has a right to a decent income.
For comment from the scene of the strike contact Lindo (AbM Youth League and
National Printer Worker) on 074 460 5806.
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Jump To Comment: 1According to updates received via the Abahlali baseMjondolo mailing list, police opened fire on the striking workers with rubber bullets and stun grenades.
The update continues:
"Twenty of the strikers at National Print in Westmead, Pinetown, were injured by the police yesterday (Monday 25 January). Some of the strikers who fled the police attack at the factory gates in Westmead were later accosted by the police in central Pinetown and viciously assaulted there.
The strike continues.
For more information contact Lindo at 074 460 5806"