South African farmworkers pledge to refrain from violence in strike
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Xinhua, November 30, 2012
Farmers in the Western Cape Province would not resort to violence when they resume their strike over wages next week, the Farmworkers' Strike Coalition (FSC) said on Friday.
The strike would be conducted in the "spirit of peace and friendship", FSC spokesman Mario Wanza said.
But he warned against farm owners hiring private security companies to protect farms as "it contributes towards instability. "
Wanza sounded the warning after farm owners had mobilized themselves in taking up arms to protect their property.
He said the FSC had got permission from police for the strike and both agreed to share and coordinate information on plans for the day.
On Thursday, Wanza said his coalition could not guarantee peace because "extreme anger" among protesters could get out of control. His words sparked fears that the strike could lead to more violence.
Western Cape Premier Helen Zille has called for the deployment of army troops to prevent the situation from spiralling.
Early this month, farm laborers on the De Doorns farm outside Cape Town downed tools, embarking on a two-week strike to press their demand for higher pay and better living conditions.
The strike spread to 15 more farms in the province and turned violent, claiming the lives of two workers and destroying vineyards and orchards. It is widely feared that the situation can spread throughout the country if not properly handled.
Farm workers agreed to return to work last week, but gave a two-week ultimatum for the government to accept their demand for higher pay by Dec. 4. If the government failed to do so, more violent protests would follow.
The Department of Labor initiated a process of negotiations whereby the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) would engage both the farmers and farmworkers.
Efforts to end the strike hit new snags on Wednesday after the Labor Department announced that wage talks will only be completed in April next year.
In South Africa Agriculture makes up about 2.1 percent of Gross domestic product (GDP) directly and farms produce close to 6.5 percent of the country's exports, including wine, citrus fruit, maize, grapes, apples and pears.
South Africa is the world's ninth largest wine producer. AgriSA, an association of farmers, said the protests have caused about 14 million U. S. dollars (120 million rand) in damage, with grape growers hardest hit. Endi
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)