The National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa) on Wednesday pledged its unequivocal support to the South Africa Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) members at Pick n Pay as they prepare for a protracted strike action for wage increases and improved working conditions.
Saccawu embarked on a three-day wage strike from September 24-27 and Pick n Pay failed to respond to workers' demands.
"Numsa is disappointed that Pick n Pay management did not reach agreement on a number of issues including the number of workers to be allowed to picket inside stores and access to store ablution facilities and canteens during the strike.
"This is tantamount to denying workers their hard won right to strike with the necessary facilities available to striking workers. To deny workers toilets and water is simply barbaric," said Numsa.
Party condemned
Numsa said it condemned the hypocrisy displayed by Pick n Pay's decision to reinstate their annual year-end function at the cost of 100 rand per employee.
"This is absolutely ridiculous given that the company is currently pleading poverty and resisting workers' reasonable demands for increases; we categorically reject this misleading and dishonest motion.
"This is yet another outrageous attempt by Pick n Pay to manipulate workers," it said.
"At a time when workers face unprecedented challenges to their jobs and conditions, it is bizarre that Pick n Pay is focusing on restoring the year-end function which they suspended four years ago, this will cost the company almost R4 million," added Numsa.
Picket rules
Numsa called on its members to offer full support and solidarity to Saccawu and embark on consumer boycott of Pick n Pay until the strike is resolved.
On Tuesday, Saccawu said its members would continue to have general meetings during the next two weeks to prepare for strike action as well as consider Pick n Pay's position on picket rules.
Members are demanding a R550 per month increase or 12% 'whichever is greater', a 10% staff discount on basic food stuff, 120 hours per month guaranteed for Variable Time Employees, a one-year agreement wage agreement, an end in the use of labour brokers and the establishment of a Centralised Bargaining Forum for the retail sector.
