Yaqara Pastoral workers go on strike

Forty workers at Yaqara Pastoral Company Ltd have gone on strike from today after their demands for Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) payments were not met.

The National Union of Workers (NUW) said it had followed all legal processes and secured the mandate to proceed with industrial action. Workers are demanding COLA payments for 2024 and last year.

The union said negotiations had nearly reached agreement in November, but the company later withdrew, claiming it was not in a position to pay.

About 60 of the company’s more than 70 employees are members of the NUW, with those on strike calling for wage adjustments and improved treatment.

In January this year, the Government received a dividend payment of $3.9million from Yaqara Pastoral Company Limited, representing 50 per cent of the company’s net profit after tax for the combined 2018 and 2019 financial periods.

NUW senior industrial relations officer Mererai Vatege said discussions were close to finalising a draft agreement before talks collapsed.

“They came back to us and said they were not in a position to agree to anything because they didn’t have profit,” Ms Vatege said.

“We did everything legally. A notice for a secret ballot was filed, and the majority voted in favour of industrial action. The workers are saying enough is enough.”

Ms Vatege said employees had not received a meaningful wage adjustment for some time.

She also raised concerns about the alleged failure to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and breaches of the registered collective agreement, which covers the terms and conditions of employment for union members at Yaqara.

“We are calling for wages to be adjusted and for the collective agreement to be honoured.

“This strike is a measure of last resort.

"We urge management to return to the negotiating table so workers can resume duties,” she said.

Workers said they would not return to work until a settlement is reached.

The company declined to comment when approached but confirmed that a formal statement would be issued.