Workers at Ribas Manufacturers embarked on a protest demanding a R4 increase and an additional ten-minute tea break.
The protest took place outside the factory on Friday morning.
Ribas manufactures sauces and condiments such as tomato sauce, mustard and mayonnaise.
The strike started on June 28 and negotiations between workers and management are deadlocked.
This was after management offered a R1.75 increase, which could bring the hourly wage to R27.78.
The workers were joined by their union, the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA), and received support from representatives of other organisations such as the Socialist Youth Movement, 350.org, Marxist Workers Party and the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu).
GIWUSA members from Masterpack (Bidvest) also joined the protest, pledging their support for workers at Ribas Manufacturers.
“GIWUSA applauds members who took their time and joined the picket lines at Ribas Manufacturers and in the same breath condemns the employer for being selfish and resisting workers’ demands,” the union said.
The union added that the strike would continue again tomorrow (Monday).
“The demands for a 10-minute tea break paid by the employer and a R4 increase still stand, versus the company’s offer of a R1 increase.
“Workers are showing resilience and are determined to fight until their demands are met. Workers will be back at the picket lines on Monday.”
The union also called for a united front across the working class.
“This is a struggle for justice and dignity,” said the union.
Meanwhile, Saftu’s general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said the federation would write a letter to management and request an urgent meeting. He said it was a shame that 30 years into democracy, workers were earning low wages.
manyane.manyane@inl.co.za