By: Natasha Archary
The SA Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) threatens Makro with a 10-day nationwide strike, starting Friday, 24 March.
The Union and anti-Walmart coalition are opposed to the Walmart take-over of Massmart, saying Makro should not fall into foreign hands.
According to the union the deal will significantly affect job security and have a negative impact on suppliers, manufacturers and service providers, including small businesses.
In addition, Saccawu is demanding that Makro reinstates all 379 employees who were dismissed for staging a picket during Black Friday last year.
The dismissals followed months of protests over wage negotiations and disputes, with the union calling the decision to fire employees unfair because workers were protesting lawfully.
Saccawu’s demands are as follows:
- That they should meet the following fair and reasonable demands,
- An across the board increase of R900-00 or 12% whichever is greater,
- A minimum wage of R8 000 a month,
- Improved commission from 10% to 20% margin for sales people,
- Increase in Category 3 working hours from 160 to 195 per month,
- 13th cheque to be made separate from the December salary,
- Uniform allowance of R100-00 and,
- A moratorium on retrenchments for the duration of the agreement
The union is also calling for Makro to desist from their “draconian measures” and practice cordial industrial relations, firmly rooted on mutual respect.
Saccawu says their strike will only end on 02 April, meanwhile, Makro has assured customers that it will be business as usual regardless of the on-going strike.
Speaking to Kaya News Saccawu spokesperson Sithembele Tshwete announces a 10-day nationwide strike at Makro:
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