A two-month strike by Sun International employees belonging to the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers’ Union (Saccawu) is over, the company said on Wednesday.
Sun International’s chief executive, David Coutts-Trotter, said the company signed a three-year agreement with Saccawu on Tuesday night.
”The three-year duration of the agreement until 2009 will provide for a welcome period of stability without the pressure and potential conflict of annual wage negotiations, something which will further promote sound workplace relations,” he said.
The agreement provides for a 7,6% increase for the 2006 financial year, rising to 8,2% for 2007 and 2008. It also extends the bargaining unit to include certain supervisory level and line staff.
”Measured against other increases in the market place, CPIX and other considerations, I think the increase is a respectable one,” Coutts-Trotter said.
Workers downed tools at the end of September, affecting Sun International operations at the Boardwalk, Carousel, Carnival City, Fish River Sun, Flamingo, Morula, Meropa, Naledi, Sun City and Wild Coast Sun resorts.
Coutts-Trotter said normal operations continued during the strike, with only limited disruption.
”But, of course, industrial action always puts pressure on the business and has the potential to strain relationships,” he added. — Sapa