The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Limpopo stands in solidarity with its affiliate, the Agricultural Food and Allied Democratic Workers Union (AFADWU) which has embarked on industrial action at Jumbo Foods in Polokwane, starting 1 September. This follows protracted negotiations during which the employer remained intransigent to accede to the demands of the workers.

This again reminds us of the ever-present contradiction that exists between capital and the working class that has been outlined by Karl Marx in the nineteenth century. COSATU therefore supports the legitimate demands for a provident fund and defined working hours, as demanded by workers at Jumbo Foods. The Federation condemns the stubbornness by the employer on the most basic of demands that workers are making. We reject the notion that employers should continue to rake in millions of Rands while the workers that produce that wealth are paid a pittance and their working conditions and personal circumstances are miserable.  

We call on Jumbo Foods to return to negotiations with AFADWU in good faith and address the workers’ demands. While the strike continues, we urge the community not to support Jumbo Foods, whose products are made and distributed through the hard work of workers whom the company refuses to compensate fairly. We further call on all our affiliates to stand in solidarity with their sister union, AFADWU.

Provincial Secretary

Hangwani Mashao

Mobile: 067 413 0165

Email: Hangwani@cosatu.org.za