"We are struggling" says Robertson Winery worker as strike enters 13th week, 18 Nov 2016

The strike of about 200 Robertson Winery workers is in its 13th week...CSAAWU [Commercial, Stevedoring, Agricultural and Allied Workers Union] representative Deneco Dube said three key demands were that the company sign a 'peace clause' undertaking not to victimise striking workers when they return to work, payment of the usual annual Christmas bonus, and backdated wage increases to May. A striking worker who did not wish to be named said that they are "mobilising other farm workers to join" the Commercial, Stevedoring, Agricultural and Allied Workers Union...They are hoping that in January – grape harvesting time – union members will refuse to work for low wages...A worker accused the management of racism. "Clocking...is done by blacks and coloureds only...Blacks start work at 7:30am and finish at 5:30pm; whites start at 8am and depart at 5pm...A black mechanic is paid R8,000 and a white mechanic paid R18,000." [Human Resources Manager and Risk Officer at Robertson Winery Reinette Jordaan said]: "it is untrue that a distinction is made between black and white workers. Production hours differ from admin hours. Admin employees work from 8am to 5pm and production employees from 7:30am to 5:15pm,"...