Johannesburg - The Amalgamated Beverages Industry workers' strike will continue after wage negotiations failed to reach a resolution, the company and union said on Monday.
"We are continuing with the strike and I've indicated to the company that our doors are still open," Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) general secretary Katishi Masemola told Sapa.
ABI spokesperson Robyn Chalmers said during negotiations last Wednesday, an "in-principle agreement" on a wage and benefits offer - was reached between the union and ABI, the soft drinks division of South African Breweries.
Fawu then went and sought feedback about the offer from its members.
"However, Fawu indicated today [Monday] that it will continue with strike action."
Masemola said that workers rejected the offer because it was exactly the same as what was previously offered.
"That annoyed members of the negotiating team."
Workers are demanding a 9.5% pay rise and an end to labour broking, among other demands. ABI is offering 8.3%.
Job security
He said ABI would also not commit to guaranteeing job security for casual workers and those sourced from labour brokers.
"It means they [union workers] have to return to work with nothing. They would rather hold on and intensify [industrial action]."
The issue of violent incidents connected to the strike continued to crop up on Monday.
Chalmers said violence and intimidation against non-striking workers had been reported over the weekend.
"Three workers were beaten up in Midrand, one so severely that he is still in hospital, and another had his car burned at his home."
Masemola said while the union never condoned violence, it needed evidence to be able to act against any alleged perpetrators of violence.
"If allegations are made that our members are involved in violence, all we are asking for is evidence to that effect so we can take steps against [them]."
ABI managing director John Ustas said that despite intimidation workers were returning to their jobs.
"We know that many of those employees who joined the strike just want to get back to work, but they are afraid to return due to the high level of intimidation they are experiencing. Nevertheless, we are now seeing people returning to work around the country."
Ustas said that workers in more than 60% of the company's sites were back.
He said the offer would remain as is. "Our offer is fair and reasonable, and it will not change," said Ustas.
Meanwhile, Masemola said the union had more protest action in the pipeline.
"The campaign against precarious employment practices in Coke and labour brokers will not end today... I don't think the employer is aware it is going to be facing a huge campaign including a consumer boycott of Coca-Cola products.
"They think we have run out of ideas and we haven't. We are going to show them a lesson or two."
On Monday, the Congress of SA Trade Unions called for a boycott of a variety of ABI and SAB products.
"Cosatu calls on all South Africans to boycott all ABI products in support of the workers who have been on a month-long strike."
Products listed included a variety of beers, soft drinks, energy drinks and fruit juices.
- Sapa