Farm workers prepare for another strike

Mluleki Mrwebi

31 December 2012

Bawusa on Sunday met in Paarl, to discuss ways of how best to support the farm workers in their struggle.

In November the farm workers embarked on two week long strike, demanding wage increases of up to R150 a day.

The strike resulted in the death of about two people and some vineyards set alight.

BAWUSA Spokesperson Nosey Pieterse said they heard the cry and have seen the plight of farm workers.

“Therefore we have taken a resolution to heed the call made by farm workers to go on strike on the 9th January 2013”said Pieterse.

He further said they have noticed with grave concern the role played by the police during the farm worker struggle which started on the 1st November 2012.

The workers are currently earning between R69 to R75 a day.

Pieterse adds that hundreds of farm workers have been seriously injured and 271 have been arrested of which approximately 10 are still in detention.