Trouble predicted after blacks shot, sacked

Press, 24 April 1987, Page 11

Trouble predicted after blacks shot, sacked

NZPA-Reuter Johannesburg South Africa’s worst episode of violence and industrial conflict this year, in which six blacks were killed and 16,000 striking workers were sacked, has prompted warnings by union leaders of more unrest. Three blacks were shot ' dead by security forces in central Johannesburg and three were killed in the suburb of Germiston yesterday in clashes sparked by a six-week-old strike against the State-run transport company, South African Transport Services (S.A.T.S.). Five policemen were hurt in the incidents, four of them seriously, said the Government. S.A.T.S. announced yesterday that 16,000 black -strikers were sacked after • a deadline for a return to work expired yesterday

morning. “It’s clear to us that the intention was to crush the S.A.T.S. strike and to use as much force as possible,” said Mr Jay Naidoo, general secretary of the 600,000-strong Congress of South African Trade Unions (C.0.5.A.T.U.). Other trade union leaders said yesterday’s actions could provoke a strong response among militant workers, and legal experts predicted sympathy action, including strikes. Security forces surrounded the C.O.S.A.T.U. headquarters in central Johannesburg yesterday afternoon and later entered the building to arrest a number of people, including some injured “rioters,” the Government said, without giving details. The managing director of S.A.T.S., Bart Grove,

said last night that dismissed workers would be considered -for reinstatement. /c He also said he would seek a change in legislation so that reinstated workers would not forfeit their accumulated pension and other benefits. But he added that this would only be possible if workers reapplied for their jobs “within a reasonable period, for instance two days.” Co-ordinated action by South Africa’s emergent black trade union movement would challenge the authority of the ruling National Party during the run-up to the General Election on May 6. Extreme Right-wing groups, who consider National too liberal, have faulted the Government for not taking tougher action against black protesters.