A group of workers employed by Fedics Food Services, a catering service provider for Stellenbosch University (SU), participated in a legal strike over wage disputes between 18 and 21 August.
This was according to Anél Lewis, senior journalist in the Division for Corporate Communication and Marketing at SU.
The wage dispute was between workers affiliated with the Independent Commercial Hospitality and Allied Workers Union (ICHAWU) and Fedics, stated Lewis.
ICHAWU sought to increase employee’s minimum wage to R10 000 per month, stated Dale Fish, ICHAWU general secretary.The list of demands also included a housing subsidy and for employees to receive education from the university, stated Fish.
More than 20 members of the Independent Commercial Hospitality and Allied Workers Union (ICHAWU) are currently engaged in a legal protest over wage disputes with their employer, Fedics a service provider for Stellenbosch University, stated Dale Fish, ICHAWU general secretary. “We are not fighting the company, we just want what we deserve,” stated Luvo Mxoli, a Fedics employee and member of ICHAWU. PHOTO: Emma Solomon
A legal demonstration
Alongside the strike, the workers participated in daily demonstrations, which were approved by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), stated Lewis. The demonstration took place near the Tienie Louw Centre in De Waal Road in Stellenbosch, added Lewis.
“While [SU] respects the rights of all workers to engage in strike action, such action must comply with the law,” said Lewis.
The strike did not affect service provision to SU, explained Lewis.
The legal strike action commenced on Friday 18 August and continued until Monday 21 August, with employees returning to work on Tuesday, stated Dale Fish, Independent Commercial Hospitality and Allied Workers Union (ICHAWU) general secretary. “We have roughly 60 union members employed by Fedics who all voted in favour of the strike,” said Fish. PHOTO: Emma Solomon
Demands for a liveable wage
“The minimum wage is too low and that is why we [protested],” stated Vernon Dempers, an employee of Fedics who has worked for the company for over seven years.
Out of 60 union members who initially signed in favour of the strike only between 20 and 30 participated, said Fish. It is believed that the rest were “intimidated” by management and agreed to an offer of R7 200, claimed Fish.
“We believe [that] R7 200 is not a liveable wage – it is a pittance. I don’t know how these workers will survive on that amount,” said Fish.
Along with other demands, the Independent Commercial Hospitality and Allied Workers Union (ICHAWU) is seeking to increase employee’s minimum wage to R10 000, stated Dale Fish, ICHAWU general secretary. Pictured above is Anilise van der Vindt, employee at Fedics. PHOTO: Emma Solomon
Possibility of a resolution
Depending on whether the employer wants to settle the matter, ICHAWU plans to proceed with another strike action, said Fish. “Discussions are currently still underway with all relevant parties to ensure a timeous resolution and that service to our clients continues promptly.” This was according to a statement provided by Fedics Food Services of the Tsebo Solutions Group via email correspondence with SMF news.