De Doorns quiet as farm workers await word from unions

THE Western Cape town of De Doorns was mostly quiet on Monday as striking farm workers awaited feedback on negotiations they believe their union representatives are conducting with farmers and other parties.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation reported that one of its cars was stoned by striking farm workers in De Doorns on Monday. Its team was interviewing workers at Stofland informal settlement when stones were hurled at the vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Rocks were still strewn across the N1 where it passes through the town after last weeks violent clashes between police and striking workers.

In total, police have arrested 125 people on charges of public violence since the strike started again last Wednesday. No deaths or life-threatening injuries have been reported.

On Monday, striking farm workers in the nearby town of Villiersdorp burnt tyres. Police retaliated by shooting rubber bullets. The clashes reportedly took place in the early hours of Monday morning.

Youths strolling along the N1 on Monday said they were awaiting feedback from union leaders and may start demonstrating again soon.

"We have no work, no money, so we may as well toyi-toyi for R150," one youth said.

The strikers are demanding an increase in their statutory daily minimum wage to R150, from the current R69.

Nosey Pietersen, secretary of the Bawsi Agricultural Workers Union of South Africa, said talks between individual farmers and his union had broken down at the weekend.

The strike was suspended last year following an undertaking that negotiations would continue between workers representatives and individual farmers. The agreement meant workers would "conditionally" return to work pending wage settlement negotiations with their employers. They would be allowed to join any union of their choice, which would then negotiate with farmers.

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De Doorns quiet as farm workers await word from unions

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