Saccawu gets recognition at Woolies

This follows the verification process to determine the union's membership at Woolies, which showed that membership has increased to 30.29% after the strike, from less than 15% in November 2007.

"This is sufficient for Woolworths to grant organisational rights to the union," the company said.

The organisational rights include union subscription to be deducted from the salaries of workers who are union members, and access to the company premises to recruit members and hold meetings.

Woolworths will implement the stop order facilities from December and finalise details of access to premises with the union in early 2009.

Woolies and Saccawu agreed to a verification process, which was part of the strike settlement agreement.

"This is a win-win outcome as it clears up the dispute that has been hovering for more than 10 years. It provides the platform for Saccawu and Woolworths to engage proactively within an agreed framework," said Fiona Fewell, divisional director of HR for Woolworths.

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