SACCAWU+media+release+on+dispute+with+Shoprite+Checkers

THE SACCAWU MEDIA RELEASE ON THE DISPUTE BETWEEN SACCAWU AND SHOPRITE CHECKERS
On Friday, the 31st of March 2006, SACCAWU and Shoprite Checkers met at the CCMA with the intention of resolving a dispute that exists between the parties. SACCAWU has declared a dispute early in February 2006, arising from the intransigence and unilateralism of the company on issues raised as eroding the conditions of workers as well as exposing such workers to dangers and insecurity.

In the quest to maximize profits and without due care for its employees, the company like most of its counterparts within the industry extended trading hours and in the process unilaterally changes the conditions of work and of workers to work until late with no provision of safe, reliable and guaranteed transport. Over and above that, the same company not being prepared to pay extra costs arising from late night transport charges. Many workers who raised these dangers were labeled as insubordinate and insolent, and therefore subjected to discipline which ranges from warnings to deductions from their meagre wages. Reports coming from workers about dangerous exposures and incidents including but not limited to workers being mugged, threatened with rape and loss of life were raised with the company; but same could not stir their conscience towards the right direction. The union has since received an unconfirmed report today of a female worker who knocked off late yesterday allegedly being killed. The Union is further investigating this report and the outcome thereof will inform a separate course of action!

These draconian actions were accompanied by selective targeting of certain shopstewards whose sin is to represent workers on this development, as well as terming them instigators; and as a result all lost about a month’s wage for union work that they normally get paid for by the company in recognition of the Labour legislation on adequate time off for union work.

Whilst perpetuating this slave trade mentality, the company continues with unilateral decentralized restructuring which from time to time yields into closures and some openings of alternative stores elsewhere. Where they open new stores, they also expect workers in such stores to exempt the company from collective bargaining processes, including a demand for the separation of Hungry Lions and U-Save components of the company from the centralized enterprise bargaining.

This, they want the Union to buy into, whilst their spread of tentacles into the rural areas, townships and beyond the South African borders into the Continent as well as beyond, amasses them profits of gigantic proportions. Of course the raking of profits also results from their taking over the entire share market of the small business enterprises in such areas, leaving scores of people in such communities unemployed.

Once more, at the CCMA hearing the company displayed unprovoked arrogance and intransigence that resulted into a stalemate. The dispute remained unresolved, with the CCMA issuing a certificate confirming same. Under the circumstances, the Union has a right to embark on strike, which the Union under the prevailing circumstances will with no doubt embark upon.

Report backs are scheduled to take place over the weekend and will as well formulate the programme of action and intensive mobilization programme both of our members, their communities and progressive organs of the Civil Society. This essentially vindicates this giant company has grown through leaps and bounds by regarding its employees as mere profit generating tools instead of precious assets, so much so that they seem to accolade the CEO whose whooping R29 million earnings last year were said to be deserved as he, in their view, has single handedly grown this company.

Issued by SACCAWU on this the 1st day of April 2006 and signed by:

___

Bones Skulu

 * General Secretary**


 * PS: For any and further clarity that may be sought in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact either Khulekani Ngubane on 082 336 5448 / 082 316 3018, Mike Tau on 083 632 4686 or Lee Modiga at the SACCAWU at 011 403 8333 (o/h)**

CC: COSATU, SACP, ANC and SANCO All Regions, NOBs, HODs, Staff & Shoprite Checkers NNC/T