The strike which has halted production of coaches for the Gautrain has ended and workers are expected to return to their posts on Friday and Monday, said the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa).

"The dispute between train coaches designer Union Carriage and striking metalworkers in Nigel has been provisionally resolved," it said in a statement on Thursday.

About 400 Numsa workers downed tools for two weeks in a disagreement over management's refusal to give shop stewards time off and the engagement of a full-time shop steward.

Union duties

In mediation on Thursday, the union and management agreed to grant eight shop stewards 40 days paid leave to attend to union duties and responsibilities.

An additional 10 pool days would be given to those who exhausted their days while fulfilling union activities and other, related obligations.

"Numsa is pleased that the strike has been resolved and would encourage workers to report for duties with immediate effect," said national spokesperson Mziwakhe Hlangani.

Accusing the company's management of using "strong-arm" tactics against its members, Numsa said the union would not have had to take the drastic action of a strike had management negotiated in good faith.

Sapa

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