The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) on Thursday urged Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana to intervene in a strike by workers at meat-distributing outlet Karan Beef.
The company was ”arrogant” and had made it clear it was not going to meet with the workers, charged Cosatu Gauteng general secretary Siphiwe Mbcina.
”We call for the minister’s intervention because the company is not listening to the workers nor the CCMA [Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration].”
Cosatu was also considering a secondary strike by its members in Shoprite Checkers and Pick ‘n Pay, he said.
The Karan strike began in July over wages, alleged racism and unfair labour practices. It involves 400 workers in Heidelberg and 320 at City Deep and Balfour.
Workers are demanding a 12% increase for all permanent staff and the permanent employment of casual staff. The company is offering 8%.
The South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers’ Union claimed the company dismissed some of its members on the first day of the strike.
Regional secretary Dumisani Bakile alleged that workers were being called racially offensive names and that there was no gender equity in the company.
”All executive members are white, male Afrikaners and people are being victimised for being members of the union.
”If you don’t resign from the union you are told that you will be fired,” he said. — Sapa