The Food and Allied Workers’ Union (Fawu) on Monday accused Amalgamated Beverage Industries (ABI) of apartheid-style curbing of political expression.
Fawu said the management at the company’s Pretoria plant last week called on workers not to utter political slogans, such as ”Viva, ANC [African National Congress], viva” at memorial services for deceased staff.
”Fawu is of the view this kind of behaviour is blatant discrimination against our members’ political beliefs,” Fawu said in a media statement. ”We strongly disagree with ABI’s request to members to curb their freedom of expression.
”Members were used to convening these memorial services on the company’s premises until the recent announcement (last Monday) from management. Some workers allege that recent changes in the management could be blamed for coming up with these regulations.
”According to workers here, 85% of management is white and members of the opposition parties.”
ABI said its Pretoria management briefs employees monthly on company news. At the March 10 briefing, a memorial service was held for the late Robert Mushwane, at the end of which some employees called out: ”Viva ANC, viva SACP [South African Communist Party]”.
”Subsequent to the service, management received complaints from a number of employees indicating that in the workplace, party-political slogans were not appropriate. Management discussed the matter with the union representative and it was resolved.
”ABI has offered its sincerest condolences to the family of Robert Mushwane,” a company statement read. — Sapa