Cosatu NW Province statement on the dispute between FAWU members & Marico Meats at Rusternburg 17-04-07

COSATU NORTH WEST PROVINCE PRESS STATEMENT ON THE DISPUTE BETWEEN FAWU MEMBERS AND MARICO MEATS AT RUSTENBURG

The Congress of South African Trade Union met today, 17th April 2007, with the management of Marico Meats in Rustenburg to discuss the issue of 170 workers dismissed since 8th September 2006 up to today, which means that they have been unemployed for more than six months. The workers were dismissed for being on an 'unprotected' or 'illegal' strike.

COSATU wants to report publicly that the meeting withMarico Meats Management agreed today that all workers who have been dismissed since September 2006 will be taken back and that a memorandum of agreement will be completed by close of business on Friday 20th April 2007 so that proper planning for the 170 workers to be accommodated in the work premises.

It is our view that the management of Marico Meats should be assisted to overcome the number of challenges facing the company and it is agreed that all workers employed during the strike will be registered as permanent. COSATU/ FAWU and management will jointly monitor the implementation plan, for the benefit of both employees and management.

COSATU calls upon all 170 workers who were dismissed by Marico Meats to a mass meeting on 21st April 2007 at the FAWU Local Office in Rustenburg at 8h00 for proper feedback from the COSATU Provincial Secretary.