Shoprite workers protest for two days nationwide
South African Commercial‚ Catering and Allied Workers Union led the workers during the two day protest.
HIGHVELD – Local Shoprite employees joined the nationwide two-day protest to demand better working hours, permanent jobs and late night transport recently.
They protested outside various Shoprite stores, including those in eMbalenhle, Evander and Secunda.
The employees demanded a guaranteed 40-hour work week and that the company provides transport for those who work late shifts.
Ms Lebohanga Makgetha, worker, said they are working longer hours and get off without transport being provided.
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She said they often face various problems with having to go home late in the night.
“We are often raped and abused at night when we return from work. The company does not care about its workers. This must come to an end.”
The workers also demanded that part-time employees are employed permanently after at least five years.
The workers were led by the South African Commercial‚ Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu).
Saccawu said in a statement that they had engaged with Shoprite regarding the workers’ needs, but failed to reach an agreement.
They said they were left without any other choice but to protest.
Police said the marches were peaceful and no incidents were reported.
