Numsa workers on strike, saying RAF is in turmoil
More than a thousand workers who belong to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) are on strike at branches of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) countrywide, saying the fund is in turmoil.
According to spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi, at least 1500 workers have downed tools due to debt of more than R8 billion.
Members of the union are marching to the department of transport's head office in Pretoria today to hand over a memorandum.
"Earlier this year it's bank account was attached by the sheriff of the court, because it’s in debt for 8.2 billion rand. This has lead to the RAF being unable to fulfill their most basic function," Hlubi says.
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Numsa adds that the RAF has been unable to compensate accident victims and that it is also "blocking" Numsa’s attempt to fight for better wages.
"The lowest paid worker is forced to survive on R 5000 after deductions, whilst executives earn over R5 million per annum," the union says.
Hlubi adds "Their legal and health care expertise ensures that the most vulnerable sectors of our society receive their compensation from the fund. But workers are unable to do their work properly if they are poorly paid, and if the management of the RAF is in shambles".
Workers are expected to gather in Marabastad on Friday morning and will march to the Department of Transport on the corner of Bosman and Struben streets in the Pretoria CBD.