The South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) has declared a dispute, challenging Massmart - which owns stores such as Game and Makro.

Saccawu and its members peacefully protested with a heavy police presence on the scene. 

According to Saccawu’s Free State and Northern Cape regional secretary, Jerry Mmoneri, the organisation embarked on a strike that took the form of picketing outside all establishments owned by the retail company culminating in a regional march to Fleurdal in Bloemfontein. 

Mmoneri further adds that the organisation declared a dispute demanding, amongst others, changes to wages. 

Mmoneri confirms that a memorandum has been handed over and clarified that a period of seven days was given for a response. 

“There has been a dispute for quite some time between Saccawu and Massmart, owned by Walmart International. The company has introduced new contracts of employment that reduces the working hours of workers. There were workers who were guaranteed 197 hours per month and which has been reduced to 120 hours per month,” Mmoneri tells OFM News.

This means that reduced working hours affect employeess' financial situation. Mmoneri says the failure of the retail company to deliver a response will result in the continuation of Friday's march. “Everything was peaceful today and everything went according to plan. The majority of people who attended the march were members of Saccawu and workers from companies who voiced their disputes,” says Mmoneri.

OFM News/Blaine Jones