IOL reports that workers at Makro are threatening to abandon till-points on Black Friday as part of an ongoing strike.

According to EWN, after months of negotiations through the CCMA, workers affiliated to the SA Catering, Commercial and Allied Workers’ Union (Saccawu) are anticipated to picket at Makro stores around the country. The union indicated that the two-day picket, which will coincide with one of the busiest shopping days of the year, was intended to put pressure on the retailer to give in to their demands regarding pay and working conditions. The union is demanding an overall pay increase of 12%, sales commissions from 10% to 20%, a R100 uniform allowance, and a 13th cheque for all workers in December. If Saccawu follows through with its strike action on Black Friday, Massmart could be adversely affected, while the rest of the retail industry gears up for the biggest single sales day on its calendar. Massmart’s senior vice president, Brian Leroni, said that the union’s demands were unrealistic. “Saccawu union officials at Makro have indicated privately that they know the company can't afford a 12% increase. This is perhaps best supported by the fact that Saccawu recently settled for a 4.5% increase at our Builder's and Game stores," Leroni stated. He indicated that Massmart had contingency plans in place to ensure the operation of its stores. Saccawu held nationwide demonstrations during the same period last year.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sibuliso Duba at IOL
• Read too, In row over wages, Makro employees threaten to desert posts on Black Friday, at EWN

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