FAWU and the
employer at Zebediela Citrus Farm resumed wage negotiations facilitated by the
CCMA on Thursday 19 May 2022. Our members decided that they will suspend the
protected strike at the Zebediela citrus farm in Limpopo as from Monday 23 May
2022. Employees believe the chances of reaching an amicable wage settlement are
high despite the fact that not all issues were addressed during these wage
talks.
FAWU members
embarked on industrial action a week ago in demand of better working conditions
and higher wages. Our union members demand a 15% wage increase across the board
and that management rectify arrears in providend funds. Thus far the employer
agreed to pay R5.8 million in arrears while the issue of a further R1.8 million
will be deliberated on during the next round of talks.
Furthermore,
our members demanded that the employer do away with fixed terms contracts in
favour of permanent employment . The parties made progress this week in that
they have reached consensus that contractors will be phased out and that
workers will be employed either permanently or on a fixed- term basis.
The union
has also laid criminal charges against the private security guards hired by the
employer who started shooting at workers with a worker ending up being
seriously injured during their picketing last week. FAWU strongly condemns the
unprovoked violence against our members whilst exercising their legal right to
protest and will seek justice for those employees injured.
Wage talks resumed on 2 June 2022.
