SAB granted interdict to stop violence by Fawu

"This comes after members of the Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu)‚ currently on strike at some SAB operations‚ behaved violently outside SAB's Chamdor brewery and depot in Krugersdorp‚ west of Johannesburg‚" SAB said.

It said striking workers had burned tyres and reportedly thrown stones at the depot and passing cars. Stones were also used to block the road outside of the depot and brewery.

SAB human resources director Yokesh Maharaj said that ahead of the strike‚ Fawu officials had agreed to the picketing rules‚ which allow striking workers to picket outside SAB operations providing it is done in a peaceful and non-disruptive manner.

"We are deeply concerned by the acts of violence and intimidation which took place at our Chamdor operations. We strongly urge Fawu officials to ensure that their members abide by our picketing rules‚ and also by the rule of the law‚" he said.

Further violence

There were still only a small minority of employees on strike and SAB was concerned that this limited support for the strike would encourage further acts of violence and intimidation by the union to get other employees to join them‚ the brewer said.

"SAB remains committed to resolving the wage dispute in the most amicable manner possible and without delay. SAB has written to Fawu with its final offer but is yet to receive a response from the union.

"SAB has offered workers a 7% average wage increase which will increase the average monthly pay for shift workers by R1‚196 to R18‚283. The average remuneration across all sectors is R4‚773 and the average bargaining unit salary in the FMCG sector is R9‚600‚" the company said.

Maharaj said SAB believed the wage increase was highly competitive - it was above inflation and came off a high base. "SAB is one of the highest-paying employers in SA across all sectors‚ and one of the highest in the brewing industry worldwide‚" he said.

"While a strike is always challenging for any business‚ we are well prepared. We have a contingency plan in place to minimise the impact of the strike and ensure there is no shortage of beer. SAB also has security measures in place to protect those people who wish to work," SAB added.