Kaya 959 Reporter
A large group of workers have taken to the picket lines over low wages and changes to terms and conditions of employment.
The workers went on strike on Friday, 19 November at companies owned by Walmart-led Massmart Holdings.
The South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU), an affiliate of the powerful union COSATU aligned with the governing African National Congress, said the indefinite strike is expected to draw more than 18,000 members across the country.
Massmart strike gallery (Images by Kaya 959 reporter, Katleho Sekhotho)





SACCAWU also called upon customers not to shop at any Massmart store this Black Friday.
The union has said it had exhausted all efforts to resolve labour disputes with Massmart, which owns Game, Makro and Builders Warehouse stores, and was left with no option but to go on strike.
Also Read: Metalworkers indefinite strike brings car industry to a halt
The disputes include a wage dispute at Builders, with unions demanding an increase of 500 rand but Massmart is only offering an increase of 320 rand.
The union also wants workers who lost jobs as a result of restructuring at general merchandise Game chain to be reinstated. Massmart has said it had identified alternative jobs for those workers.
The union is also disputing unilateral restructuring and changes to terms and conditions of employment, which includes imposing a 40-hour working week with no premiums.
A large group of striking workers are gathered at the Makro in Woodmead as part of their demonstrations against group companies owned by Walmart-led Massmart Holdings in South Africa.@KayaNews pic.twitter.com/XrcwrZd0T9
— Kat Sekhotho (@KatSekhotho) November 19, 2021



