8 June 2023
SACCAWU and Makro signed an agreement ultimately resolving an almost over a year protracted dispute on wages and working conditions for all the workers in the bargaining unit of this Massmart establishment. The parties finally agreed on a multiyear agreement which will cover 2022/2023, 2023/2024, 2024/2025 financial years. This strike took 14 months to conclude preceded as well by prolonged dispute where there company for some time remained on zero percentage and continued with somewhat represents the “ Chinese Bargaining “ of beginning and stay at 2.5% for sometime ; conveniently citing agreements around 4% or so in other divisions with SACCAWU.This lame argument was just convenient as arriving at such agreements individual division’s financial performance were used as the base whilst during Makro negotiations , as a Division the approach of the Company shifted to use the consolidated performance of the Group, Massmart , as if engaging now in the Centralised Bargaining Forum or entire Enterprise level and this was but some of attributions to hardened attitudes and protraction of the negotiations and ultimately, the very dispute. It is also from this premise that as part of the Agreement under relationship building by objectives there is and inclusion of exploring centralized bargaining within the Group.
The agreement which was facilitated through a CCMA Section 150 intervention is as follows: For the financial year 2022/2023 the parties have agreed on 4, 5% or R450.00 whichever is greater. The 2023/2024 years the parties agreed upon an increase of 5% or R480.00 whichever is greater. The 2024/2025 years the agreement is 5, 5% or R500.00 whichever is greater. Workers will be backdated from 1 April 2022.
Most importantly the parties have agreed to conduct a relationship building exercise by no later 31 July 2023. The relationship building exercise will among other things explore and consider centralized bargaining for the different brands or subsidiaries of Massmart such as Builders Warehouse, Game, Masscash and Makro. Also in the settlement it is agreed that engagement are to be expedited to engage on the plight of almost 600 dismissed and charged workers to reach an amicable solution; commencing on the 91th of June 2023.
SACCAWU wishes to thank COSATU and her Affiliates, Formations of the Tripartite Alliance, the members of various communities, the customers and all other progressive formations for their support to the striking workers.
All media enquiries to be addressed to:
Sithembele Tshwete
Head: Research and Media
South African Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU)
(011) 403 8333
073 956 3108 or 082 336 5363