Concerns are mounting that fruit exports to Europe and other overseas markets could be under threat as there is no end in sight to the strike at Ceres Fruit Growers (CFG) – one of South Africa’s biggest apple and pear packaging and storage companies.
Food and Allied Workers’ Union (Fawu) spokesperson, Meshack Ntecha, on Monday called for “the mother of all marches” tomorrow ( Wednesday) if the fruit packing company does not give in to wage hike demands.
Over 1 200 of the company’s workers downed tools more than two weeks ago, demanding a 12.5% wage increase, but the company claims it can only afford 7.5%.
Francois Malan, CFG managing director, was cited by daily newspaper, Business Day, as saying that while it was difficult to calculate the full financial impact of the strike, the company had already lost millions because of damage to its facility following arson attacks.
"Once our fruit reaches its destination, we will have a better idea of the financial impact," he reportedly said.
According to news reports, business activity at some of the surrounding farms has ground to a halt after protesting workers allegedly blocked trucks from leaving or entering the region and torched a large warehouse last month.
