JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's metalworkers union, Numsa, on Tuesday condemned what it called attempts by household appliances maker, Whirlpool, to bully it into signing an agreement to end a job boycott.
As many as 900 workers, including non-union members, have been on strike since 6 November, over housing assistance demands.
"The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa condemns attempts by the management team at Whirlpool to bully us into accepting an agreement, without consulting our members, in order to end the strike," the union said in a statement on Tuesday.
Numsa said the company had proposed a housing allowance of R150 per month over the weekend, against workers' demands for R500.
"Our members have made it clear that they will not return to work until Whirlpool makes a meaningful offer,which they can engage with.
Numsa said itwould meet Whirlpool officials on Tuesday.
Whirlpool officials were not immediately available for comment.
Whirlpool is one of the biggest producers of household appliances with a range of dishwashers, dryers, hobs, stoves, and other kitchen appliances.
Numsa has said the lowest paid worker at Whirlpool earns R43 per hour, making access to decent accommodation almost impossible.