Cape Times writes that a David versus Goliath battle between workers, who have been striking for almost 12 weeks, and Robertson Winery (RW) has reached a deadlock yet again.  

More than 200 workers have been demanding an R8,500 monthly salary, substantially up on the current R2,900 and R3,500.  According to Karel Swart, deputy secretary of the Commercial Stevedoring Agriculture and Allied Workers’ Union (Csaawu), workers have conceded their demand for an R8,500 living wage and have agreed to a R400 increase.  But, RW has apparently refused to accept a peace-clause stipulating that no disciplinary action would be taken against striking workers.  RW’s HR manager, Reinette Jordaan, said it was news to them that the 8% (R400) increase had been accepted.  She added:  “Talks regarding the wage, bonuses and peace clause were well under way until Csaawu unexpectedly reverted to their original demands.  This was considered a dead-end and the reason for the CCMA to withdraw as it was a waste of taxpayers' money.”  The union is also demanding that a joint committee investigate alleged violation of workers’ rights.

• Read this report by Dominic Adriaanse in full at Business Report

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