Insurance Demands May Lead to Mass Strikes

July 9 - South Africa may be facing a strike by several store workers if the trade unions don't have their demands met.

The South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union threatened Massmart Holdings Ltd. that its Makro, Dion and Game Units would go on strike if the workers did not get a salary increase, as well as essential medical insurance and improved job security.

The dispute over pay and working conditions has been ongoing, with workers demanding an increase of 8.5% in their salaries. Part of their demands is for a minimum of R460 increase across the board, as well as the introduction of medical insurance to help them cover the spiralling costs of medical care in South Africa.

In an email sent to Massmart Holdings this week, the trade union said that it also demanded that the food and goods wholesalers stop using temporary contract workers. The group spelled out the action that would be taken if its demands were not met.

"SACCAWU is currently consulting its membership in preparation for mass action," they said. "This will include marches, pickets and full blow strikes."

The Corporate Affairs Executive of Massmart, Brian Leroni confirmed that negotiations are taking place between all sides. "There are agreed processes underway between the union and the divisional bargaining units," he said. "It is therefore premature to comment further."