FAWU FINDS PILCHARD RECALL A THREAT TO JOB SECURITY

Media Statement: 28 February 2020

FAWU FINDS PILCHARDS RECALL A POTENTIAL THREAT TO JOB SECURITY

The Food and Allied Workers’ Union ( F.A.W.U.) is  disturbed over the recall of several brands  and batches of pilchards that were sold to customers over the last few months, especially since we represent members at fish processors; Lucky Star Operations, West Point Processors, Oranje Vis, Amawandle Pelagic and the issue could have a detrimental effect on the sales of pilchards. At the same time, we commend West Point Processors for acting swiftly as soon as the defect came to light.

While we understand that West Point Processors is doing everything they can in terms of reimbursing suspected batches and reassuring customers of the safety of the product, we demand to know what has led to this canning deficiency so that a similar situation can be prevented in future.

FAWU hopes that our members will not ultimately suffer under the burden of financial losses due this sudden recall as a long- term blanket ban on the product could affect the job security of our members negatively.

We would like to encourage fish processors to sort the issue out with urgency as millions of poor South Africans rely on pilchards as a healthy and affordable source of nutrition.

For more information please call the Deputy General Secretary, Mngomezulu Mayoyo on 082 440 4039 or the Fishing Sector Co-ordinator Zolani Mbanjwa on 082 494 7940.

Released by FAWU media liaison officer , Dominique Martin 082 498 5631.

FAWU To March In Support of Neil Aggett Inquest

Media Statement : 4 February, 2020

F.A.W.U. MARCHES IN SUPPORT OF NEIL AGGETT INQUEST

Hundreds of members of the Food and Allied Workers Union (F.A.W.U.) will stage a march on Wednesday, 5 February 2020 outside the South Gauteng High Court in support of the inquest into the tragic death of Dr. Neil Aggett underway at the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.  The march will take place on the exact day 38 years ago, that the union leader and activist was found dead in his cell.

FAWU, along with other activists have long supported the campaign demanding that the inquest be re-opened and now that it finally has, we demand that those responsible for his untimely and devastating death must be brought to book. Many questions needs to be answered around the suspect circumstances of his death and it is  time to dig deep and get to the truth so that the history books can be re-written on the true reasons and details surrounding the death of Dr. Neil Aggett .

FAWU and SAFTU Leaders will hand over a memorandum to the Johannesburg Central Police Station and thereafter proceed to the South Gauteng High Court where the re-opened inquest is currently being heard.

Marchers will start at Cnr. Of Kruis & Helen Joseph Streets at 10pm, while the handover of the memorandum will take place at 11h30 and then the activities will culminate in a demonstration outside the Court at about 12h30.

Enquiries: Vuka Chonco, Gauteng Provincial Secretary on 082 499 5854. Alternatively call Dominique Martin on 082 498 5631