Tobacco company‚ Philip Morris International‚ has suspended production at its Boksburg factory in the East Rand‚ where some workers are on strike.

Workers at the company have been on strike for over a month demanding a 10% salary increase.

Company spokeswoman‚ Rupini Bergstrom‚ said production was halted as a precaution.

“As a precautionary measure we decided to stop production for today‚” she said.

TMG Digital understands that workers who come to work despite the strike have been intimidated and roads leading to the company were barricaded.

On Wednesday workers claimed they were attacked and shot at by security guards.

Bergstrom denied that the company had summoned the security company.

“We are aware of an unconfirmed report of a security officer discharging their firearm into the ground nearby the factory yesterday. The security officer is not employed by us but was part of a security detachment accompanying the trucks belonging to a logistics company we work with‚” said Bergstrom.

She said the company’s 8‚5% offer made to workers is substantial given the challenging economic conditions in the country.

“We do respect the Union’s decision to embark on industrial action and while the situation over the past day or two has become inflamed‚ the company remains committed to resolving this matter through ongoing dialogue‚” she said.

Philip Morris South Africa’s brands include Marlboro and Chesterfield.

The company also manufactures pipe tobacco brands Boxer and Best Blend.

Established in 2003‚ the company states on its website that it employs over 600 people across five locations.