JOHANNESBURG — More than 2 000 workers at the South African subsidiary of brewer SABMiller (SABL) went on strike yesterday, demanding a 9,5% pay increase, a union representative said.
“There are high level discussions with union leaders and directors at SABL to resolve the matter,” Katishi Masemola, secretary-general at the Food and Allied Workers’ Union, said.
About 2 200 of some 3 000 employees at South African Breweries walked off the job after the beer maker offered a 5,5% increase, less than the 9,5% they were demanding.
SABL spokeswoman Robyn Chalmers was unable to comment when contacted by e-mail.
“We have a full contingency plan in place to minimise disruptions to our operations and customers should there be any industrial action,” Chalmers said in an e-mailed response to questions yesterday.
SABL employs about 5 600 workers in its South African beer division, of which about 1 900 are union members, Chalmers said.
The beer company employees more than 70 000 people worldwide. — Reuters/Agencies
