24 November 2000
Today, the General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP), Blade Nzimande together with the Deputy President of COSATU, Joe Nkosi, led a joint SACP-COSATU delegation to the ESS Chemicals Factory House where 12 workers were burnt to their dea th on 18 November 2000.
During this visit the delegation met with the remaining employees of ESS Chemicals, representatives of the families of the deceased, workers and managers of other factories in the area and the investigating officer of the South African Police Services.
The visit confirmed the shocking working conditions of workers at ESS Chemicals. The remaining workers told the delegation how they worked 15 hours a day for R375 a month, how the employer illegally and unfairly made deductions from their salaries without any explanation and how the employer victimised the workers and particularly those who complained about the working conditions.
COSATU is outraged at the working conditions at ESS Chemicals. The accident confirms what we have always said that the conditions of millions in our country must be improved and that legislation must be enforced without fail said Joe Nkosi.
Part of the delegation was representatives of the Chemical, Energy, Paper and Printing Worker's Unions (CEPPWAWU) who are now following up the claims and demands made by the remaining workers. The SACP and COSATU call for urgent action to justly compensate the remaining employees of ESS Chemicals.
On inspecting other factories in the area (which can be classified as belonging to the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises sector), it was clear to the delegation that there are many violations of existing legislation regarding working hours and health and safety standards. One of these factories is a salt packaging factory owned by the brother of the owner of ESS Chemicals. Workers report that this salt packaging factory recently dismissed workers on unfair and illegal grounds.
As the SACP and COSATU we therefore call for a full investigation on working conditions in the entire SMME sector from a workersperspective. This investigation is important so that we can consolidate workersrights, working conditions and health and safety standards.
We cannot allow the SMME sector to literally get away with murder. The working conditions are shocking. The investigation we are calling for must cover all small employers throughout the country, said Blade Nzimande.
PICKET THE BAIL HEARING AND OPPOSE BAIL FOR THE OWNER OF ESS CHEMICALS
The delegation also learnt that the Soweto Magistrate's Court will hear the bail application by the owner of ESS Chemicals at 10h00 on Monday, 27 November. The SACP and COSATU call on all workers and communities to join a picket outside the Magistrate's Co urt at 10h30 on 27 November 2000.
Because of the seriousness of the case and the possibility of skipping bail, the SACP and COSATU oppose the bail application by the owner of ESS Chemicals.
LENASIA MASS WORKERS MEETING
It was clear to the delegation that the most important task of mobilising workers to join unions and fight for better conditions. For this reason, the SACP and COSATU are mobilising a Mass Worker's Meeting as detailed below.
DATE : Wednesday, 29 November 2000
TIME : 12h30 to 14h00
WHERE : In front of ESS Chemicals, Medina Road,Lenasia, near Anchorville Service Station
The Lenasia Mass Workers Meeting will:
This meeting will follow a wreath-laying ceremony organised by the Lenasia branch of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU).
A Memorial and Funeral Service for most of the workers who died on 18 November will be held from 09h00 at the Lenasia Stadium, on Sunday, 26 November 2000. The SACP and COSATU call on all South Africans to support the Trust Fund set up in support of the be reaved families.
Lenasia Worker's Disaster Relief Fund
CONTACT