Massdiscounters faces strike action on World Cup eve

Publié: 3 Juin 2010
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Negotiations between the South Africa Commercial, Catering and Allied workers Union (SACCAWU) and Massdiscounters over restructuring and retrenchments of 1,500 workers have deadlocked forcing the union to call for strike action on June 10.

A media statement issued by SACCAWU says, “After months of negotiations over retrenchments, restructuring and re-engineering of job descriptions and job titles with no progress, SACCAWU decided to take action to halt the current unilateral introduction of these measures and prevent any further changes without consultation and agreement with SACCAWU.”

The statement says after the negotiations broke down Massdiscounters went ahead and issued notices of termination of services to about 200 workers. The notices were accompanied by the police to enforce and escort workers off the premises.

The union accuses the company of using the World Cup period to push through draconian measures.

“They are using the world cup to drive down workers terms and conditions of service. They hope to turn public opinion against striking workers. We will not compromise workers’ rights because of the World Cup,” warns SACCAWU.

The transport sector strike that stranded millions of South Africans has just ended and the first World Cup to be held on the African soil opens on June 11.

Six African teams Algeria, Cameroun, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigerian and South Africa are among the 32 teams taking part in the FIFA 2010 World Cup tournament.