Makro workers who are part of the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) embarked on a major strike again this week, gathering outside the US embassy.
The reason for the strike is the alleged dismissal of 600 Makro workers. However, the union has deemed this unlawful.
Negotiations during the disputes between Makro and its employees include the demand for a moratorium on retrenchment.
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Despite this though, SACCAWU has claimed 600 names have been put forward for retrenchments.
The union also claimed that there was an additional 300 more names that were earmarked for retrenchments at a later date.
According to reports, the union has been picketing outside Makro stores for 10 days and is now picketing outside the US embassy in Pretoria, to hand over a memorandum, because Walmart, the company that owns Massmart and Makro, is based in the US.
8 000 Members picket outside Makro stores
About 8 000 SACCAWU members picketed outside various Makro stores across the country for 10 days.
According to SACCAWU, Makro management has suspended workers with the aim of dismissing them. SACCAWU has filed a complaint of unfair dismissal and suspension with the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration), with the intention of reversing the suspensions. The union argues that this practice is illegal, and that they will intensify their efforts to secure better wages for their members.
SACCAWU is calling for a 12% increase or a R900 raise in salaries for all workers. Additionally, it is requesting a minimum wage of R900 per month, an increase in the commission rate for salespersons from 10% to 20%, and a uniform allowance.
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The union is also demanding an increase in Category 3 working hours from 160 to 190 per month, the separate payment of a 13th cheque, a uniform allowance of R100 per month, and a halt to any future retrenchments.
But in light of the group’s net loss of R2 billion, Massmart argues that the union’s demands are unrealistic.
