Makro and Game strike ends

Massmart stated that disputes related to strike action at Game, Makro and the wider group were permanently withdrawn, whilst the company revised its wage offer to Builders from 4% to 4.5%.

Thousands of Massmart employees around South Africa — including Makro, Game, and Builders workers – went on strike ahead of Black Friday.

Saccawu said the strike was linked to three issues:

1. A group-wide dispute concerning the unilateral restructuring and unilateral changes to terms and conditions of employment.
2. A wage dispute at Massbuild — Saccawu demanded an increase of R500 while Massbuild offered R320 or 4.1%.
3. A dispute concerning unilateral changes to terms and conditions of employment at Makro — including unreasonably high targets for commission earners.

Massmart had implemented strike contingency plans to ensure the continued smooth operation of its stores over the busy shopping period.

These plans include mobilising and deploying Massmart experienced contract employees familiar with its store processes.

Saccawu said it did not concern them that Massmart used outsourced staff to do the work. “It is their constitutional right to bring in people to work,” a spokesperson said.

According to Massmart, its operations were unaffected over Black Friday weekend. It said its stores were fully staffed and well patronised by customers.

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