The Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) has accused Heineken Beverages South Africa of intimidating employees participating in a protected strike, alleging that workers are being pressured to abandon the industrial action.
In a statement issued on Thursday, FAWU said it “strongly condemns” what it described as ongoing intimidation and pressure directed at its members during the protected strike.
The union stressed that participation in a protected strike is a constitutional right and said workers should not face intimidation, coercion, threats or undue pressure for exercising that right.
FAWU said it had received reports from members about conduct it believes is intended to discourage lawful participation in the strike. The union warned that such actions could undermine collective bargaining and fair labour practices.
The dispute centres on several wage and employment-related demands. FAWU is seeking a 7% across-the-board wage increase, a housing allowance for all employees, a meal allowance and employer-funded weekend transport for employees required to work weekends.
The union said the demands were aimed at helping workers cope with the rising cost of living.
FAWU has rejected Heineken’s reported 5% wage offer, arguing that the increase would largely keep pace with inflation rather than provide workers with a meaningful improvement in their purchasing power.
Despite the ongoing deadlock, the union said its members remained united and committed to the strike.
“Workers continue to demonstrate discipline, unity and commitment throughout the protected strike,” FAWU said.
The union also confirmed that the industrial action would continue next week, advising members that the protected strike would resume on Monday.
FAWU reiterated its commitment to resolving the dispute through lawful collective bargaining, while maintaining that it would continue to defend the rights of its members.
“Workers cannot be intimidated into surrendering their constitutional rights,” the union said, calling on Heineken to engage in good-faith negotiations to resolve the dispute.
Heineken Beverages South Africa had not responded to Newsnote at the time of publication.
