Premier FMCG, owner of the food manufacturer, is seeking to interdict the striking workers at the Mister Sweet factory in Germiston, Johannesburg. Photo by Anele Mbi
BY Anele Mbi – published first on Elitsha
IN SUMMARY: Strike Background:
- 23 community and non-governmental organizations are calling for a boycott of Mister Sweet products during a strike.
- The strike at Mister Sweet’s Wadeville factory began on August 19 and is now in its fourth week.
- Workers are demanding a living wage of R19,500 per month.
Worker Conditions:
- Mister Sweet employs around 600 workers, producing various confectionery products.
- Zintle Buthelezi, a worker earning R6,000 per month, stated, “I am currently earning R6,000 which is very little and not enough to cover my individual and family’s ongoing normal expenses.”
- Workers accuse the company of hiring labor broker workers to undermine their unity.
- Malusi Tukela, a machine operator, highlighted poor safety, saying, “One of our colleague’s hands was cutoff by the machine and we don’t have medical aid.”
- David Phala, another worker, has been earning R7,200 since 2016 without a salary increase. He noted, “Our company is not only operating in South Africa but also in other African countries such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland.”
- Bheki Zwane, a machine operator earning R6,000, spends R2,000 on transport alone, questioning, “How can I survive and do all these things on a mere six thousand rands?”
Union Response:
- The Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) does not support the strike’s demand for a living wage.
- FAWU shop stewards want workers to accept a 7% wage increase (around R500).
- Strike leader Abigail Mangena noted the wage increase demand has existed since 2018.
Premier FMCG’s Position:
- Mister Sweet was bought by Premier FMCG in 2021, and in 2024, Premier offered a 7% wage increase, backdated to January.
- Premier’s spokesperson confirmed a lockout notice was issued for striking workers.
- Premier’s profits increased by 15.8% in the previous year, reaching R921 million.
Legal and Financial Context:
- The strike has been referred to the CCMA, but no agreement has been reached.
- The company has applied for an interdict against the strike, with a court hearing set for Tuesday.
- Ighsaan Schroeder from Casual Workers Advice Office pointed out Premier’s wealth and its connection to billionaire Christo Wiese, the largest shareholder.
