Several petrol filling stations in Kimberley were brought to a total standstill yesterday when Numsa protested on their driveways, forcing on-duty employees to flee and hide.

The petrol attendants strike entered its 10th day yesterday. Workers at components retailers, panel beaters, car and spare parts dealers and fitment workshops joined the petrol attendants to demand a 10% wage increase.

Some petrol station managers were seen filling up vehicles. Some of the vehicle owners had to assist to get the services required.

Numsa regional secretary Carlos Irwin said they would ensure that all petrol stations were closed.

“We will make sure that our colleagues who are on duty join us or they must stay at home. The strike needs to have an impact on the employer.”

Most of the striking workers were holding knobkerries and sticks and threatening their colleagues on duty.

Irwin said their protest was peaceful. “We are not fighting anyone. If we were intimidating anyone the police would have arrested us a long time ago. They are always accompanying us.”

One business owner said he did not understand the position of Numsa workers who were forcing other members to join them.

“Unfortunately most of my staff members are breadwinners in their households. If they don’t work they won’t get paid. You cannot force anyone to join you if they don’t want to.”
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