Strike expected at Dis-Chem Pharmacies

Dis-Chem Pharmacies will be affected by a strike on Friday over a wage dispute with the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw).

Nupsaw warned on Wednesday that it was laying the groundwork for a national strike, accusing Dis-Chem of refusing to bargain with the union on its demands for salary increases and bonuses.

“Despite their 13.3% turnover increase in 2018 financial year from R17,3bn to R19.6bn, our members still have their security wage adjustments reduced without any explanation,” the union said in a statement.

“To make matters worse, there are no guaranteed annual bonuses, yet the employer is busy planning expansion (20 stores) in the 2019 financial year, with the hard work of its over 13,500 employees.”

Nupsaw said it had turned to the CCMA for conciliation and obtained a certificate permitting members to embark on a protected strike on Friday.

The union is demanding a minimum wage of R12,500 across the board, an increase of 12,5% for those earning above R12,500 and a guaranteed annual bonus.

Dis-Chem spokesperson Caryn Barker told Business Report on Thursday: “We have already advised the union that unfortunately we are not in a position to meet their demands, so we expect the strike to go ahead on Friday.”