Communication Workers Union (CWU) will today embark on a protected industrial action at MUSTEK over salary increases and a right to freedom of association. The strike comes after the parties failed to resolve issues at the CCMA level, instead the company demonstrated disregard to the wellbeing of workers and the right of workers to bargain. CWU is irritated by the new tendency that the employers are now applying, which is to hide behind COVID-19 and the lockdown as a reason not to pay workers and to cut salaries of workers.

In April 2020, the company attempted to cut union subscriptions as it claimed it was mitigating the impact of the lockdown. This is despite the fact that the union subscription is not a benefit or paid by the company but workers themselves. TheTelecoms and IT companies were amongst the most beneficiaries of the crisis as

every sector of the society relied on their products to run meetings, business or

just communication. As a result, the JSE reported 9.4% increase in revenue in the financial year which ended on the 30th June 2020, despite the four (4) months lockdown regulations due to COVID-19. Its revenue sowed to R6.4   Billion, from R5.85-billion in the past year.

The CEO, Mr David Kan is pocketing over R8 million per annum. This demonstrates that the greedy will use every excuse to empower themselves and workers will remain at the receiving end.

 The demand of 20% salary increase might appear to be unreasonable, however; if you consider the average salary at a mere R5000.00 per month (R60 000 per annum), then this demand is reasonable. The company’s refusal to bargain despite the fact that the union has a constituency of over 50+1% in the company, demonstrates the management’s disregard to the laws of this country. We are pleased that our members are showing support to their own cause as they down tools. The strike will have a significant impact on the production line, as MUSTEK was positioning itself for a tender to provide computers to National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The strike will be indefinite until the company is prepared to resolve this matter.

The end

Issued by the Office of the General Secretary

Contact:

CWU General Secretary

Aubrey Tshabalala

Cell: 061 481 1080