Workers at a confectionery factory of South Africa’s Premier Group have gone on strike over pay.
The walkout at the Wadeville, Germiston plant, which manufactures the Mister Sweet brand of treats, began on Monday (19 August) as staff involved seek a minimum wage and also a pay increase.
Striking workers are demanding a basic salary of R19,500 ($1,084) a month and those already on that pay level are looking for a rise of R15 an hour, according to the Simunye Workers Forum (SWF).
Currently, staff at the Wadeville site are not paid a “basic salary”, the SWF claimed, adding that workers have been “earning very low wages of R6,000-R,7000 per month for ten years”.
Gauteng-headquartered Premier confirmed the strike action, saying in a statement the company had offered an above-average wage-inflation increase of 7%. However, that had been rejected, a fact also acknowledged by SWF.
A spokesperson for Premier told Just Food that 286 people were initially involved in the strike, but an undisclosed number have returned to work since Monday. A further 144 staff at the plant were not involved and continue to work.
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“Premier is committed to providing a safe working environment for all our employees, whilst ensuring continued supply of products to our customers and consumers in the communities in which we operate,” the confectionery-to-pasta maker said in the statement.
“We have, and will continue to engage, with the employees and their union representatives to resolve the strike quickly and amicably.”
SWF accused Premier of warning to cut the pay offer unless affected staff returned to work.
According to SWF’s own statement, Premier said it would lower the offer by one percentage point if the strike continued into a second day and by a further 0.5% if it lasted beyond a week. It also said if the walkout goes on for more than three weeks the pay offer would be cut by increments of 0.5% until it reached zero.
“The SWF condemns these bad-faith negotiations and will strike until the workers get a living wage. The SWF also condemns the Mister Sweet bosses for locking out the workers,” their statement read.
Premier confirmed a lock-out was in motion at the Wadeville plant, which also produces the Manhattan, Champion, Frutus, Candy Tops and Rascal confectionery brands.
“Notice of intention to strike was received from the workers forum on 14 August 2024. Similarly, Premier has issued a lock-out notice that will affect employees who participate in the strike,” the company said in its statement.
“Premier continues to run our operations and distribute products to our loyal customers and consumers, albeit at reduced capacity.”
