Shoprite workers embark on a two-day strike

Shoprite and Checkers workers in Ermelo embarked on a two-day strike on Wednesday, 28 March over the number of working hours.

Also read:  [VIDEO] Shoprite workers on strike

The strike action is supported by the South Africa Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) with most of the workers belonging to it.

In a statement, Saccawu said the industrial action would highlight several issues, including but not limited to:

• The company should withdraw the unilateral change to the conditions of service which they have implemented.

• The employer should provide safe and reliable transport for early morning shifts and late night shifts at the employer’s cost.

• The reinstatement of dismissed workers in Sandton for standing their ground and fighting for their rights.

• Conversion of all part-time workers with five years or more years of service to full-time and permanent employment.

Mr Albert Kubheka, Ermelo shop steward, reiterated the union’s demands.

“We want 40 hours instead of only 32 hours.”

He added they want all part-time employees to be made permanent, a different statement to that of Saccawu.

The local workers picketed outside the Checkers store in the OakCentre on day two of the strike on 29 March.

However, they were peacefully escorted out of the centre by security guards after the managers of the shop called on them to stop their actions.

The workers agreed to wait out the industrial action at home.

Mr Khubheka said they would have returned to work on 30 March.

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