By: Natasha Archary

The strike at Ford South Africa which started earlier this month over the payment of bonuses has been called off by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA).
Over 3 000 workers downed tools bringing production to a halt during the strike which started on 04 July.
Ford secured an interim order from the Labour Court after a deadlock in negotiations ensued after Ford refused to share profits with workers, claiming it’s impermissable and said workers have no right to demand bonuses.
In a statement, NUMSA said the strike is over and workers will return to operations after days of marathon behind the scenes negotiations.
“NUMSA was able to secure an agreement that all workers will be able to return to work and there will be no disciplinary sanction for those who participated in the strike.
In addition, NUMSA also negotiated that Ford pays workers R20 000 for each worker as a deadlock breaking mechanism and to pay these monies as soon as possible following the return of workers to the workplace.
In this regard NUMSA calls on all workers at Ford to report for their shifts tomorrow morning (Friday, 12 July 2024) commencing at 06h00, in that the strike has ended.
Whilst Ford does not regard the aforesaid payment as it acceding to the strike demand of workers for profit-sharing, NUMSA is of the firm view that a very important foundation has been laid for workers in Ford (and in South Africa in general), to share in the profits of companies in order to create a more equitable society and eradicate the tendency in the world that a few billionaires can consistently increase their exorbitant wealth at the expense of workers, and on the basis of the exploitation of the working class. This is indeed a very positive development towards a more just and equitable society.”
NUMSA General Secretary, Irvin Jim said this was a victory for workers at the multinational vehicle manufacturer and workers build about 720 cars per day
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