Metal unions turf war erupts in KwaZulu-Natal

“Our recruiters had gone to [automotive filter manufacturer] GUD Filters on Friday after being requested by workers to come and introduce the union as they felt that their current union had dismally failed to represent them,” said acting Limusa spokesman Vusumuzi Martin Bhengu.

 

“When our recruiters arrived they were met by a group of Numsa shop stewards who made it clear that Limusa would not be allowed to speak to workers. One of Numsa shop steward even drove straight to our recruiters, missing them by mere inches.”

 

Limusa, an affiliate of Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu), was seen as a replacement of expelled Numsa. Limusa was admitted into Cosatu in March.

 

Former Numsa president Cedric Gina, who spearheaded the founding of Limusa, is the union’s secretary.

 

However, Numsa spokesman Castro Ngobese denied the allegations.

 

“This is part of their propaganda machinery against Numsa. We are not a violent union, no such an incident that involved Numsa members took place,” he said.

 

Numsa secretary in KwaZulu-Natal Mbuso Ngubane also said he did not know anything about the incident.

 

“I haven’t received any report about assault involving Numsa shop stewards. That is news to my ears,” said Ngubane.

 

The new union held its inaugural congress in Durban in June, where leaders were elected. -ANA

 

(File Photo: Gallo Images)