SACCAWU,+50,000+workers+versus+Shoprite+Checkers

South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union
=Shoprite Checkers dispute=

The South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union has rejected a threat by the management of Shoprite Checkers to unilaterally impose a wage settlement on its 50 000 employees.

The company's Personnel Director, CJC Burger, has today, 3 August 2006, written to SACCAWU to make a "final offer" to its workers. It includes an increase of R265 across the board to all permanent full-time employees and a new minimum of R1800 a month.

"This offer," says Burger, "is open for acceptance by the union until 16:00 on Sunday 6 August 2006. If this offer is rejected, it is our intention to implement the proposal to all staff by no later than Tuesday 8 August 2006.

"We accept and understand that an implementation might have severe implications for the collective bargaining relationship. Although we have no desire to undermine the union, we feel that the current dispute has dragged on for an unacceptable period of time."

In reply SACCAWU General Secretary rejects this 'final offer' and points out: "What you present as a final offer was already your position presented at the time of agreeing to disagree at the CCMA, which the meeting of 31 July 2006 viewed as an insult and contemptuous of your employees and the union representing them, and they outrightly rejected."

SACCAWU repeats its demand for R300 or 10%, whichever is greater, and warns Shoprite Checkers "to desist from any unilateralism, or unilateral implementation, as such will definitely exacerbate the already tense and fragile situation, the consequences of which you will be held responsible and liable for."

The union cautions the employer that "no amount of rumours, divide-and-rule tactics and/or sowing of confusion will distract members and the union from their genuine, fait and reasonable demands".

The union however remains prepared to meet management at any time to engage on our current positions.


 * For further information, please phone SACCAWU General Secretary, Bones Skulu, on 011 403 0852**

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