Pick 'n Pay workers set to strike from 28 October 2010
Since the three day wage strike by SACCAWU members at Pick 'n Pay on 24 – 27 September and the failure of the Company to respond to workers demands, the Union has proceeded to apply to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for the establishment of picket rules in preparation for a protracted strike action.
On the 26th October the parties will meet at the CCMA to conclude on picket rules for strike action, while at the same time members are preparing a series of ten mass protest marches throughout the country, where a memorandum will be handed over to the Company.
In Gauteng, workers will stage a march on the 28th October 2010, where members and supporters will deliver a memorandum of demands at the Chris Hani Crossing newly opened store in Vosloorus. Nine other marches will take place throughout the country on the 29th October.
While the Company has been silent on the wage demands of the workers and in an attempt to buy loyalty with the hope of deflating workers unity and determination to strike for their demands, the Company decided to reinstate their annual Year End Function, suspended four years ago because it was too costly. In a memo to all staff the company indicated that it will once again hold such a function at the cost of R100-00 per employee. This will cost the Company almost R4 million, this at a time when they plead poverty and resist workers reasonable demands for wage increases is disingenuous and should be viewed as an attempt to break the impending strike planned by workers.
SACCAWU calls the move "a clear display of the hypocrisy of the Company which reveals their intentions to enforce low wages upon already poor workers". The union rejects this attempt from management to try and bribe workers to accept their offer and calls on the Company to engage in honest and meaningful negotiations.
The Pick 'n Pay union alliance as well as UNI affiliates in Africa have pledged their support to SACCAWU in their struggle for justice for workers at the company.
Worker demands:
• R550 per month increase or 12% whichever is greater
• A 10% Staff discount on basic food stuff.
• 120 hours per month guaranteed for Variable Time Employees
• A one year agreement wage agreement
• End the use of labour brokers
• The establishment of a Centralised Bargaining Forum for the retail sector