Negotiations to end a pay strike by workers at Shoprite Checkers will begin in Johannesburg on Friday, the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers’ Union (Saccawu) said on Wednesday.
”Shoprite requested the CCMA [Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration] to intervene and a meeting has been set up for August 18,” said Saccawu negotiator Thoko Mchunu.
Lunch-time pickets began on July 18, and the strike started last Thursday.
”We are continuing with the pickets today [Wednesday], but not just at lunchtime, it will be throughout the day.
”It’s no longer just lunchtime pickets. This is now a full blown strike,” said Mchunu.
She said the public in some parts of North West and the Eastern Cape had supported Saccawu’s call to boycott the store.
”So far the strike has had a positive impact. Some Shoprite stores in Themba and Lusikisiki are closed because there are no customers going there.”
Mchunu said no marches were planned because the company had decided to go the CCMA for intervention.
Shoprite spokesperson Sarita van Wyk was unavailable for comment on Wednesday morning.
Saccawu has demanded the greater of a wage increase of R300 or 10%, as well as improved working conditions. Shoprite has offered R265. — Sapa