Johannesburg - A strike by workers of the packaging industry took a violent turn when employees, business owners, property and vehicles came under attack this week.
On Thursday, an ALPL delivery vehicle was petrol bombed. On Wednesday, two ALPLA non-striking staff were hospitalised after they were attacked in their homes. A business owner in Kempton Park was also attacked during the violence.
Last week, a group of striking workers stoned the ALPLA SA plant in Isando. Members of its own staff were caught in the crossfire.
Over the weekend a business was burnt to the ground in Ladybrand.
The packaging industry has been dragged into a war. What started as a surprise strike three weeks ago has now turned into a war where employers have to employ private security to protect staff, assets and stock as striking workers continue to raid premises and cause maximum destruction in well-coordinated attacks.