In Conversation With Sithembele Tshwete (SACCAWU Spokesperson)
Loading player...
South Africa’s labour movement is preparing for a major confrontation over looming retrenchments that could affect thousands of retail workers, with the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) warning against what they describe as attempts to erode long-standing worker protections under the guise of restructuring.
According to SACCAWU, tensions escalated after reports emerged in the media regarding a Section 189 retrenchment process before the union itself had formally been engaged. The union argues this undermines collective bargaining structures and weakens fair labour engagement processes.
At the centre of the dispute are concerns over possible changes to worker benefits and conditions of employment that unions say were secured through years of negotiation and labour struggle. These reportedly include transport arrangements for workers finishing late shifts, subsidised meals, Sunday premium pay, 13th cheques, and guaranteed working hours for full-time employees.
According to SACCAWU, tensions escalated after reports emerged in the media regarding a Section 189 retrenchment process before the union itself had formally been engaged. The union argues this undermines collective bargaining structures and weakens fair labour engagement processes.
At the centre of the dispute are concerns over possible changes to worker benefits and conditions of employment that unions say were secured through years of negotiation and labour struggle. These reportedly include transport arrangements for workers finishing late shifts, subsidised meals, Sunday premium pay, 13th cheques, and guaranteed working hours for full-time employees.
