Maragra workers on strike

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Maragra workers on strike

12:07 CAT | 28 Jul 2017

Notícias (File photo) / Aerial view of Maragra factory

Workers at the sugar company Maragra Açúcar SA in Maputo province embarked on a four-day strike yesterday in protest against the company’s proffered wage increase, the differential between their pay and that of their South African counterparts, and the abolition of subsidies.

Notícias has learned from the National Union of the Sugar Industry’s Alexandre Munguambe that attempts were made to avoid the work stoppage with the management of the company, but no consensus was reached.

Munguambe says that three issues lie at the heart of the strike. Firstly, South African workers earn considerably more than Mozambican colleagues in the same category, he said. Another point in dispute is the withdrawal of various subsidies and benefits, which workers say is not justified given that local production is sold in the European and American markets. The third point is the employer’s refusal to pay the salary increase of around 20 per cent demanded, proposing only a 13 per cent increase.

A press release issued by the company, which forms part of the Illovo Group, appeals to people living in the village where the company is located to remain calm during the shutdown.

Attempts to make contact with the company over the phone have met with failure.

Source: Notícias