Numsa's Irvin Jim says Ford can afford to pay its employees bonuses as it makes around 720 cars per day.The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa at Ford South Africa will down tools on Thursday, 4 July, following failed negotiations on the payment of bonus.
Irvin Jim, NUMSA General Secretary says their first resolution was to negotiate with Ford Management. “Ford failed to reach an agreement with Numsa at the conciliation held on 11 June 2024 at the CCMA offices in Pretoria.”gave the motor company an opportunity to rethink its decision, however, the management has not responded to the union to date.has benefitted hugely from the sweat and labour of workers,” says Jim.
Jim says Ford can afford to pay its employees bonuses as it makes around 720 cars per day. “We reject their reasons and justifications for refusing to share the profit with workers.” He also quoted the figures Ford Global has made in the previous years, according to Macrotrends.After the union concluded with the picketing rules, the Commissioner issued the certificate to strike. Jim says the union served Ford with a 48-hour notice toon Tuesday.
Duduzile Nxele, Ford SA media liaison said Ford requested non-striking employees work from home for the duration of the strike. “Ford has a long-term commitment to South Africa and has invested heavily in its operations and local employees. Regrettably, production disruptions have a profound impact on South Africa’s economy and global reputation as a place to do business.”