Shoprite in Beaufort Street, Grahamstown, was left with only four tellers this morning Friday 7 October, as employees from that store and Checkers in High Street picketed outside the store.
Shoprite in Beaufort Street, Grahamstown, was left with only four tellers this morning Friday 7 October, as employees from that store and Checkers in High Street picketed outside the store.
Around 50 staff from both supermarkets joined together in support of a national strike called by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) today.
The federation called on all members to join the action.
Here in Grahamstown, some Shoprite and Checkers workers met early today.
They sang in front of the Market Square store with placards saying, "We want our money" and "40 hours back".
Although there were no reports of intimidation of non-strikers, police arrived and ordered the group to move a few metres from the entrance.
“Now you are intimidating customers this way and also other businesses close to this entrance are being disrupted by what you are doing," a police officer explained.
"Yes, we understand it’s a national strike, but you can’t be right at the entrance of the store.”
Arguing with the officers, the strikers said they said their action was aimed at Shoprite and this meant it was appropriate for them to stand directly in front of the store.
They also argued that their presence elsewhere in the complex would disrupt other businesses instead.
The group then opted to move their action to Checkers.
They toyi-toyiied to the High Street store via Beaufort Street, Bathurst Street and through Church Square.
However, when they arrived there, members of the Queenstown Public Order Police and other units were already waiting there. The strikers tried to enter the mall, but the police told them to remain outside.
Again they argued with the police.
“Our voices won’t be heard if we are here in the street. This mall belongs to Checkers and we want to go inside so that they can feel what we're doing,” said one of the group.
The strikers made the most of the opportunity when the police left, however.
As they came in, singing and dancing, the doors to the shop were closed and customers were allowed in and out one by one.
South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) official in Grahamstown, Rockey Kolweni arrived and addressed the strikers outside Checkers.
“You're doing the right thing here," Kolweni said. and I’m happy to see you like this. You are not disturbing, intimidating or doing any violence here. You are just doing what is required.
"This is a national official strike and its for your rights. Carry on, but do not do anything against the law. Just do your thing right,” said Kolweni.
