Woolworths continues to negotiate with SACCAWU in good faith. In an effort to resolve the dispute Woolworths has tabled a solution to the current dispute, for SACCAWU to consider. The proposal encourages the union to show the representation it claims through an agreed process. “We are waiting for the union to confirm our next meeting, as it is in the interest of all parties to resolve this dispute as quickly as possible. We have made ourselves available to meet on an urgent basis and believe that we are close to an agreement,” says Zyda Rylands, Chief operating officer for Woolworths support services. During negotiations at which Woolworths had hoped to reach a resolution, the union introduced additional issues for consideration. Woolworths continues to follow standard labour relations practice whilst actively seeking reasonable alternatives to end this dispute. Standard labour relations practice stipulates that the first step is for the union to establish through an agreed process that they have sufficient representation. This is an important process. Once the union has shown sufficient representation, the next step would be to agree on the content and details of what rights follow. “In keeping with the Labour Relations Act, if SACCAWU will work with us to analyse their support within Woolworths, and their membership within the company is found to be sufficiently representative, we have consistently said that we will have no hesitation in granting the union appropriate organisational rights,” Woolworths continues to be concerned about the ongoing incidents of intimidation perpetrated by union members during this strike. “It is critical that the signing of union membership is done in a free and fair manner without intimidation. We call on the union to ensure that striking union members observe the law and uphold the picket rules determined at the CCMA, which are further sanctioned by two interdicts issued against SACCAWU by the courts” says Rylands. Ends

Woolworths continues to negotiate with SACCAWU in good faith. In an effort to resolve the dispute Woolworths has tabled a solution to the current dispute, for SACCAWU to consider. The proposal encourages the union to show the representation it claims thro