6 October 2023
Workers protested outside Simba’s factory in Isando, Gauteng on Wednesday. The company has since been granted an interdict against the strike. Archive photo: Kimberly Mutandiro
The Labour Court in Braamfontein on Thursday granted an urgent interim interdict against striking workers at Simba’s factories in Isando and Elandsfontein.
Workers at Simba’s factories downed tools on Wednesday. They alleged that money was being deducted for transport fees, in contravention of a settlement agreement that the company would provide free transport.
According to the order, the workers are interdicted from “continuing with, participating in, instigating or promoting the unlawful and unprotected strike action”. The Casual Workers Advice Office and Simunye Workers Forum, which represent the workers, are ordered to “publically call” on workers to abandon the strike action via “loudhailer” and SMS.
Deborah-Ann Sharwood, spokesperson for Pepsico, Simba’s parent company, told GroundUp that the allegation by workers that the company has been deducting money from their salaries for transport is false.
According to Simba’s court papers, the free transport arrangement is currently being phased out due to affordability constraints. Simba claims that it has conducted thorough consultations with employees and has come to an agreement with most employees.
The agreement is that eligible employees will be paid a lump sum of up to R30,000 each when the free transport service is stopped. The transport arrangement will only be stopped on 1 January 2024, according to the court papers.
The Casual Workers Office Advice told GroundUp they are preparing answering papers to challenge the interdict.