Published: 27/06/2011

The 4,500 FAWU members at the farms and processing plants of Rainbow Chicken, South Africa’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, have been on a national strike since 26 May in pursuit of a wage increase, a reduction in working hours and an increase in the minimum wage on the farms.

Processing workers currently work exhausting 9-hour days – many in cold-store facilities – and are demanding a reduction in working hours. FAWU is calling for a move from a 45 to a 40-hour work week and 8-hour shifts.

The company is currently employing scab labour. Workers remain adamant that they will remain on strike until their demands are met.

Source: FAWU