GEORGE NEWS - The national South African Commercial‚ Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) and Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) nationwide strike is effecting Shoprite and Checkers stores in George as well.
The workers are demanding better working conditions including free transport for workers working night shift and double pay on public holidays.
A quick whip around Shoprite and Checkers stores in George revealed that the doors of all stores are open, but at some branches the till points are manned entirely by temporary staff that were brought in this morning.
Shoprite and Shoprite Usave are the worst affected.
At some stores none of the workers, only management came to work today.
The ques at the Shoprite in the CBD are snaking down the aisles and customers are waiting patiently to be served. In true South African tradition the customers are saying that they understand the demands of the workers and but have opted to rather wait than leave.
"It is three days before Christmas, what must I do," said a lady with a trolley loaded to the brim.
Some of the shelves are starting to run empty.
The driver of a Coca Cola truck said he is going back to the depot as he can’t offload the delivery.
The receiving bays are closed although a Parmalat truck was waiting outside. “I must deliver, these are perishable items” said the driver.
Many of the Checkers staff aren’t dressed in Checkers uniform.
A worker told the George Herald “I took the decision to come to work but for my safety I decided not to wear my uniform.
"I estimate that about 25% of the workers aren’t at work at our branch.”
The regional staff said they can’t comment and referred the matter to head office.
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