A bitter pill for Dis-Chem workers
MIDRAND – Dis-Chem employees affiliated to Nupsaw strike until their grievances are met.
Dis-Chem employees affiliated to the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw) went on strike on 17 January outside the company’s distribution centre in Midrand.
Solly Malema, the national organiser for Nupsaw said the legal strike was aimed at forcing the company to recognise the union.
“[Currently] the only union which is recognised by the company and enjoying organisational rights at Dis-Chem is the South Africa Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union,” said Malema.
“We are not sure why one union is accepted yet we are refused the rights to operate by the company. We are not here to serve the employer, we are here to ensure that workers are not exploited the way they are now, including not being paid bonuses and not allowed to join the union of their choice.”
Malema threatened that the strike would go on until their demands were met.
In its response to the strike, Dis-Chem stated that there were only about 760 employees involved in the industrial action which was less than six per cent of the company’s workforce.
The company acknowledged that the strike was primarily about the union’s organisational rights as well as disagreement on decisions relating to discretionary bonus payments to some Nupsaw members.
In a statement, the pharmacy chain said more than 10 500 employees were awarded bonuses in accordance with the company’s remuneration policy. Discussions were continuing with the affected group of employees in an effort for them to return to work and ensure resolution with regard to the payment of bonuses.
