21.   Unions, also represented at the hearings, want even stronger protections -- for example, penalties against companies that intimidate workers from reporting ergonomic injuries.

22.   Workers at the Itapsa plant said thugs were used to intimidate workers before a non-secret vote on a union organizing effort in September.

23.   Deputies accused the government of misplaced pride, intimidating the workers, treating them as slaves, and called for the resignation of public services commissioner Mariyawandah Nzuwah.

24.   Workers had downed tools eight days ago following the dismissal of a trade union leader for allegedly intimidating workers during a strike in March.

25.   Workers had downed tools eight days ago following the dismissal of NUM branch chairman Jackson Mafika for allegedly intimidating workers during a strike in March.

26.   No casualties were reported and observers said the blasts were probably intended to intimidate workers into staying home in line with the two-day strike call.