Workers at Premier Group’s confectionery facility in Wadeville, Germiston, South Africa, have initiated a strike over wage disputes. The protest commenced on August 19, with staff at the Mister Sweet brand factory advocating for a minimum salary and pay raises.
The striking workers are demanding a monthly salary of R19,500 ($1,084). Those already earning this amount are requesting an hourly increase of R15, as noted by the Simunye Workers Forum (SWF). Currently, employees at the Wadeville site do not receive a “basic salary,” according to the SWF, who asserted that wages have remained stagnantly low at R6,000-R7,000 for a decade.
Premier Group, headquartered in Gauteng, has confirmed the strike and stated that it offered an above-inflation wage increase of 7%. However, this offer was turned down, a point acknowledged by the SWF.
A Premier spokesperson indicated that initially, 286 individuals participated in the strike, though some have since returned to work. Additionally, 144 staff members are still employed at the site, continuing their work.
“Premier is committed to providing a safe working environment for all our employees while ensuring the continuous supply of products to our customers and consumers in the communities we serve,” the company stated. They emphasized their intention to engage with employees and union representatives to resolve the ongoing strike promptly and amicably.
Conversely, the SWF has accused Premier of threatening to retract its pay offer unless the workers resumed their jobs. According to SWF’s statements, Premier announced it would decrease its offer by one percentage point if the strike extended into a second day, and by an additional 0.5% if it extended beyond a week. If the protest continues for over three weeks, the pay offer would be reduced in increments of 0.5% until eliminated entirely.
“The SWF condemns these bad-faith negotiations and insists on striking until workers secure a living wage. They also criticize the Mister Sweet management for locking out workers,” the statement concluded.
Moreover, Premier confirmed that a lockout is currently in effect at the Wadeville plant, which also produces a variety of other confectionery brands, including Manhattan, Champion, Frutus, Candy Tops, and Rascal. The company clarified, “Notice of intention to strike was received from the workers forum on August 14, 2024. Likewise, Premier has issued a lockout notice that will affect employees participating in the strike.”
Finally, despite these challenges, Premier is still operating and distributing products to their customers, albeit at a reduced capacity.
In light of such ongoing discussions within the food and beverage industry, Premier Group’s situation exemplifies broader trends in worker rights and compensation in the food and drink business, illustrating the challenges associated with balancing employee needs with operational demands.
