Countrywide strike looms for Massmart retail outlets as Saccawu members plan to down tools indefinitely

Trade union Saccawu says its members are set to down tools indefinitely at Massmart retail outlets countrywide on Friday over wages. The union is demanding a R500 increase across the board while management is only offering an increase of R320.

Massmart is owned by the US Retail Conglomerate Walmart. It boasts big retail chains including Game, Makro and Builders Warehouse in its stable of around 230 stores around the country.

Saccawu says more than half of Massmart’s 35 000 strong workforces are its members and they all will be downing tools on Friday overpay.

The union also plans to mobilise members of the public to support the strike by boycotting Massmart stores from next week.

SACCAWU members set to down tools indefinitely at Massmart retail outlets:

Massmart management has accused Saccawu of using intimidation tactics to try and coerce workers, who don’t want to join the strike.

Saccawu denies the accusation.

Massmart management plans to hire experienced temporary workers to ensure that the stores run smoothly during the strike. But, Saccawu has shot back saying the plan won’t work because experienced temporary workers are also its members and will be joining the strike. And, only time will tell how things pan out.

VIDEO: Massmart reports a profit of R444.2 million