Masport <link _top>Foundries Ltd workers endorsed industrial action with a clear and decisive 90%+ vote at the "all up" meeting. Workers are represented by unions under the Masport Collective CEA contract.
A week ago they voted to reject a 3% pay rise offer and cuts to allowances. Masport <link _top>Foundries had a productive, good financial year and are currently passing on the benefits of reduced materials cost to some customers.
The employer has been attempting to undermine the Masport CEA for some time. There has been repeated breach of the 30-day law, and refusal of CEA coverage when these workers join the union! Currently under negotiation is an extension of the coverage clause to include ALL union members involved in production ie technicians. Gordon Thompson EPMU delegate stated "Its about respect. Its about holding your head high. There's honour in fighting."
After dispensation was given to pour off the 6T of high <link _top>chrome iron (for safety and integrity of the <link _top>furnaces), Masport <link _top>Foundries workers walked off the job on indefinate strike action.
