By Mzi Velapi – this post was originally published on Elitsha
Strike Overview: Sea Harvest workers are on strike, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. Workers include truck drivers, welders, forklift drivers, pipe fitters, and general workers. Strikes occurred in Cape Town city centre and outside the airport.
Wage Demands: Workers want an 8% salary increase; the company is offering 6.5%. Union representative Leo Bottoman said they aim to reduce the large pay gap between workers and management. Management earns three to four times more than workers, according to Bottoman.
Comparison to Competitors: Workers want their wages aligned with competitor I&J. A general worker earns R34/hour at Sea Harvest but R54/hour at I&J. Workers demand a minimum wage of R7,000 per month and an employee share scheme.
Additional Demands: Increase the night shift food allowance from R80 to R120. Introduce a cold room allowance due to harsh working conditions. Better protective gear for cold environments.
Worker Conditions: Justin Peterson, a forklift driver, earns R43/hour and works in frigid conditions (-18°C). Peterson supports four children and his wife on this wage. Bottoman claims workers’ pay grading is outdated and unfair.
Recent Safety Concerns: In May, a Sea Harvest vessel capsized, with 11 fishermen presumed dead. In October, a fire broke out on another vessel, prompting safety inspections of all fishing vessels.
- “The gap between what these workers earn and what the management earn is triple or even four times more,” – Leo Bottoman.
- “We are also demanding a cold room allowance and the food allowance for night shift to be increased from R80 to R120 as one cannot have a decent meal from R80,” – Leo Bottoman.
- “The fridges are set at -18%, so you can imagine how cold it is. They give us freezer suits, kidney belts, balaclava and socks. We are three drivers and a casual and we have to divide all the work between us. I earn only R43 per hour and I have to feed my four children and take care of my wife from that,” – Justin Peterson.
- “You will find out that people who were employed after me have a rate that is better than mine,” – Justin Peterson.
- “The company remains committed to negotiating in good faith for the long-term sustainability of the business, which will enable it to continue creating sustainable jobs for the long-term well-being of its staff,” – Anthea Abraham.
