JOHANNESBURG – The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) on Tuesday threw its weight behind Dis-Chem workers who are preparing for a nationwide strike at the pharmacy chain, starting on Wednesday.
LISTEN: Nupsaw national organiser Solly Malema explains why Dis-Chem workers are on strike. #Dischem pic.twitter.com/WISlp0shCd
— Bafana Nzimande (@nzimandebafana) January 17, 2018
Saftu affiliate, the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw), said employees were being denied recognition and organisational rights in terms of section 21 of the Labour Relations Act (LRA).
Part of Nupsaw’s action will take place at the Dis-Chem warehouse in Midrand, Johannesburg, starting at 05:00 on Wednesday.
A dispute between Nupsaw and Dis-Chem was referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in December, but the matter could not be resolved.
Saftu said “the employer’s stubborn and extreme behaviour” regarding the union’s organisational rights has now set the stage for conflict and has left the union with no other option but to call a work stoppage.
“Not only Dis-Chem but many other employers are trying to avoid having to recognise and grant organisational rights to unions which stand up for their members’ interests, unlike many sweetheart unions with whom they have established a cozy relationship and whom they now want to protect from Saftu’s more militant affiliates,” the federation said in a statement.
Saftu called on all its other members to join Nupsaw in support of the strike.
