Union not yet done

Thousands of Pick n Pay staff stayed away on Friday, but company officials said trading was not affected.

“The union is demanding a R500 increase, or 12%, and the company is offering R385,” said Saccawu's Mike Abrahams. “We furthermore demand a one year agreement instead of the multi-year agreement the company is offering.”

He said Saccawu adjustments on working hours and general working conditions include a minimum of 108 hours and R3,000 a-month wage for staff who work when the company needs them.

Nick Badminton, CEO of Pick n Pay, said the strike affected all regions. “Pick n Pay would like to stress that its contingency plans, including experienced replacement labour, are in operation and that all stores are open for business as usual,” he said.

Abrahams said more than 15,000 union members took part in the strike.

“Workers who took part in this strike action were approximately 8,000 in Johannesburg, 5,000 in Durban, 2,000 in Port Elizabeth, about 3,000 in Cape Town and close to 2,000 in Bloemfontein,” he said.

Abrahams said the union would meet soon to discuss the way forward and the possibility of future industrial action.

Source: The Times

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