Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana urged the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers’ Union (Saccawu) and Pick ‘n Pay on Friday to engage in meaningful discussions to resolve a pay strike.
Ministerial spokesperson Page Boikanyo said Mdladlana is concerned over the protracted wage dispute, and urged the two parties to engage in meaningful discussions under the auspices of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.
”The minister also expressed concerns about the tensions, the unruly and violent behaviour that has been displayed by some of those participating in the strike,” Boikanyo said.
Workers went on strike last Friday and wage talks since then have ended in deadlock.
By 6.30pm on Friday, the two parties were still locked in wage negotiations.
Pick ‘n Pay has offered workers an increase of R310 or 7,9%, whichever is greater. Saccawu is demanding 12% or R400. — Sapa