Call for Solidarity With CEPPWAWU in South Africa

Workers Uniting Group is aware that the International Chemical, Energy and Mineworkers (ICEM) is seeking support for one of their affiliates in South Africa. The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood, and Allied Workers Union (CEPPWAWU) is under attack from the multi-national paper and pulp group Sappi.

ICEM is calling for immediate supportive action after Sappi at its Enstra Mill in Springs, South Africa suspended 19 CEPPWAWU shop stewards and 23 other workers.

Starting on 6th May, Sappi began systematically taking disciplinary actions against CEPPWAWU reps at the Enstra sulfate pulp and printing papers mill. The facility employs 650 worker, 90% of whom are CEPPWAWU members.

The company are alleging that the union used company property for union purposes and that the union had harrassed workers.

At a 28th May meeting, Sappi said it would start disciplinary hearings against the reps - hearings that the union believes will be one-sided and unfair.

ICEM says it "finds it reprehensible that Sappi refuses meeting participation by CEPPWAWU’s National Coordinator for Sappi branches", and called it “a blight on Sappi everywhere,” in a letter to the management of Sappi in South Ajavascript:void(0)frica. ICEM has accused Sappi of a blatant violation of basic trade union rights and the attempt to de-unionise the plant merits immediate condemnation.

CEPPWAWU is our sister union in South Africa and have supported Unite members whenever they have been asked to.

Therefore ICEM is asking for letters of support to be sent to CEPPWAWU at secretariat@ceppwawu.org.za or Regional Secretary Chief Seatlholo chief@ceppwawu.org.za

Please copy your emails to Dick Blin at dick.blin@icem.org