Pick N Pay workers thanked EFF sub region 5 leaders for helping the secure retrenchment package for them photo by Dimakatso Modipa
Fifty one workers of Pick ‘n Pay outlet at Silverton Crossing Mall in Tshwane are thankful that members of Sub Region 5 of the EFF have managed to secure retrenchment packages from the management of the retail store on their behalf.
Last week a rumpus arose when it emerged that the owner of the store, known as Black, was intending to close down operations at the store for good, but had not informed the workers about his plans, and had also not prepared any retrenchment packages for them.
The aggrieved workers then enlisted the help of Sub Region 5 of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who immediately shut down the store and forced the owner Black to prepare retrenchment packages for his workers as is the norm in terms of the Labour Relations Act when a business stops operating.
In a statement submitted to Tshwane Talks, the Sub Region 5 of the EFF, under the leadership of Bongani Ramontja said it was happy to announce ” a landmark agreement that has been reached with Pick ‘n Pay following a meeting held last week to ensure fair and equitable treatment for the 51 employees retrenched from the Silverton Crossing Pick’n Pay store.”
The EFF said through its unwavering commitment to fighting for workers’ rights, it has successfully negotiated an agreement that addresses key concerns and provides a framework for a dignified exit for affected employees.
“We commend Bongani Ramontja for his exceptional leadership and tireless efforts in advocating for the rights of affected employees, and acknowledge the supporting role played by other activists in Sub Region 5,” reads the statement.
According to the EFF, the agreement provides for official retrenchment notices, UIF claims support, severance packages, full leave payouts and the retention of Provident Fund benefits.
The EFF says the package represents a significant victory for workers’ rights and sets a precedent for fair labour practices in the retail sector.
“We will continue to fight for the rights of workers and hold employees accountable for their actions,” said the EFF activist Ramontja.
One of the affected Pick ‘n Pay workers Sibongile Ramakalele wrote a letter of gratitude on behalf of her colleagues to the EFF.
“We would like to thank Bongani Ramontja and his team for helping us resolve issues that we had with the employer concerning retrenchment packages, and our thanks come from the bottom of our hearts,” reads the letter from Ramakalele.
Another affected worker Refilwe Masilela, wrote the following:
“It is with heartfelt gratitude that we are writing this letter to Bongani Ramontja and all the EFF members who have assisted us in the fight against an unfair retrenchment process.”
In her letter Masilela goes on to point out that they had a union for many years but that the said union has failed to address their grievances.
“The EFF did not hesitate to help us when we reached out to them, they stood and fought for us and won the battle, and they have turned our sorrows into excitement, and for that we will forever be grateful to them,” she wrote.
Masilela said if it wasn’t for the intervention of the EFF, then the affected 51 Pick ‘n Pay workers wouldn’t have received a compensation date for the benefits that they have worked so hard for.