Dis-Chem workers strike for better pay

DISGRUNTLED Dis-Chem employees demonstrated and picketed outside the Western Cape Distribution Centre in La Belle Road, Stikland, demanding a monthly wage of R12 500.

The nationwide strike led by the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw) members will enter its fifth day today.

The strike followed a deadlock on wage negotiations with the company.

Dis-Chem has since apologised to customers and fellow retailers for the inconvenience experienced at some shopping centres over the weekend after some workers went on strike.

Nupsaw provincial office manager Omar Parker said: “The company has displayed a completely intransigent and fascist approach during the negotiations and subsequently.”

The union’s provincial organiser, Vuyani Shwane, said the company had not yet met with the union to discuss any offer.

“Strike action is always a sacrifice, and our members are worried, but we have to continue to demand a decent living wage.

“We would also like to clarify that this strike action includes all departments within the company and not just the security, as was communicated by Dis-Chem.”

Dis-Chem spokesperson Caryn Barker said no incidents had been reported since the strike began.

“The majority of Dis-Chem employees have no appetite for the industrial action.

“Unfortunately, some have had to stay away from work due to intimidation.”

Dis-Chem said that despite a small percentage of employees participating in strike action, stores around the country operated as normal throughout the weekend.