Declaration of Solidarity with the Strikers at BAIC in Gqeberha-Coega, South Africa

August 20, 2026: Dear Colleagues, Dear Representatives of the NUMSA Union, With great respect and appreciation, we would like to congratulate you on your strike, which has now lasted for over 6 weeks. We wish you continued strength and perseverance and hope that you achieve your goals in full. As the coordinating group of the International Automotive Workers' Coordination, we stand by your side and will mobilize our contacts and networks worldwide to organize international solidarity.

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It is a scandal that BAIC (and not just at your plant) is attempting to impose Chinese standards characterized by depressed wages and widespread deterioration of working conditions. BAIC is making the situation unbearable due to the following current wage rates: Skill Level 1—40 and 48 rand, while the industry standard is 121 rand per hour.

You have, quite rightly, taken up a decisive fight against this and gone on an important strike that is receiving international recognition and solidarity.

With your militant union, NUMSA, you have sent a strong signal regionally and nationally in support of this significant workers' struggle.

We call on BAIC to recognize existing international agreements and wage standards and to pay wages accordingly.

Against the exploitation offensive at BAIC!

It is imperative to stop Chinese monopolies from imposing far inferior Chinese standards worldwide as they pursue their path of conquest and the struggle for market share. At the same time, we stand alongside the Chinese working class in their struggle for decent wages and dignified working conditions.

We also support your demand that all fixed term contractors who have been at the plant for more than three months must be hired on permanent contracts. Against playing colleagues off against one another and division: One workforce—one opponent—one struggle!