Cape Town – Workers affiliated to the Food and Allied Workers’ Union (Fawu) have vowed to intensify the prolonged strike at Blue Ribbon Bread in Salt River.
This comes after its employers, Premier, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturer, and the union failed to reach an agreement again.
In November, hundreds of workers downed tools, demanding a wage increase.
The initial demand of 10% and funeral cover was rejected and the company counter-offered 8% up until 2021. Fawu tabled a 9% offer and for it to be backdated. However, the company stood firm at 8%.
Fawu general-secretary Katishi Masemola said the next step was to call for community support.
“The company is raising issues that were off the table now the strike is ongoing and we are not willing to give in to their offer.
“The company is not meeting us halfway, even though we did scrap some of the things we tabled and lowered our offer.”
Premier FMCG group did not respond by deadline. Okuhle Hlati