Wal-Mart’s “unconditional” takeover of Massmart condemned

Publié: 16 Février 2011
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THE South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers’ Union (SACCAWU) has condemned the Competition Commission’s recommendation to the Tribunal for the Wal-Mart/Massmart takeover to go ahead without conditions, despite comprehensive and concise submissions by SACCAWU and SACTWU on public and competition issues; notwithstanding that there indeed exists such public interest issues.

And UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings says on his Tweeter account that it is wrong to give Wal-Mart green light for Massmart, South Africa takeover without conditions on jobs, local suppliers and decent work.

SACCAWU expressed disappointment at the Commission’s failure to identify issues of competition, implications of the merger on the supply chain, small businesses, the environment and worker-issues despite submissions by the union and the wide public interest over Wal-Mart’s entrance into South Africa’s retail market.

“We are outraged by this development which not only rubbishes the genuine concerns of SACCAWU and other interested parties at the altar of obsession with the so-called foreign direct investment that is being punted above everything else,” says SACCAWU in a latest media statement. The interference and/or reference to the so called social dialogue between Massmart and SACCAWU, as a basis not to effect conditions; as if there is a guaranteed agreement to serve as conditions, is not only deceiving but a miscarriage of justice by the Commission as contained in its recommendation to the Tribunal.

The union is also outraged at the Commission’s recommendation that the Wal-Mart/Massmart takeover “be approved with no conditions” based on mere undertakings by the merging companies, despite evidence pointing to Wal-Mart’s proven ability to renege from such promises elsewhere in the world.

SACCAWU says the Competition Commission failed to “seize the moment and do what is right” as an institution that was supposed to contribute to the country’s developmental agenda, decent work and a better life for all.

The union has vowed to continue with its struggle to ensure that their voice was heard in the Wal-Mart/Massmart takeover process - which will now go before the Tribunal - as well as intensify the mobilisation of the Anti-Wal-Mart Coalition and civil society.