Johannesburg - The strike in the sugar industry has ended after a settlement agreement was reached on Friday, the Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) said.
A 10 percent increment was secured for the sugar industry's lowest-paid workers, said Fawu general secretary Katishi Masemola.
“There would be nine percent increase for the middle band and 8.75 percent for higher band,” he said.
Around 5500 sugar refining and milling workers, mostly Fawu-affiliates, downed tools on May 27, demanding a wage increase of 11 percent across the board, a 40-hour work week, and an R800
monthly housing subsidy.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) facilitated talks between the employers and unions on Monday.
“The fact that this dispute was resolved in a mere three days can only be attributed to the commitment of parties to finding a resolution under the guidance of an experienced CCMA senior commissioner,” CCMA director Nerine Kahn said.
Masemola said the agreement was the best the union could get in the circumstances.
Workers were expected back on the job on Monday. - Sapa