More than 100 employees have been picketing the Festive Chicken processing site in Olifantsfontein since 29 October. According to AllAfrica, the industrial action follows a breakdown in wage talks at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration. The staff members are seeking a monthly income of R13,500, health insurance coverage, and improved workplace safety. Currently, these workers receive between R5,400 and R6,500 for a 45-hour week, a rate they argue fails to match their increased responsibilities or the national cost of living.
A court order on 30 October confirmed the workers' right to strike and prohibited the employer from firing or punishing participants. Dikeledi Rosina Mogwenya, a hatchery worker since 2003, told AllAfrica that her duties have grown significantly. She noted that the number of machines she must manage rose from 12 to 35 without any salary increase. Nomasonto Ncwane, who has ten years of tenure, stated that management claims losses while posting about profits online. She emphasized that the team deserves the requested pay increase.
Joshua Hlungwani of the Simunye Workers Forum explained that the group is assisting staff who face unsafe environments. He cited issues like dust exposure and lack of gear in freezing rooms. Hlungwani clarified that the forum is not a formal union but is helping overlooked employees. Lawyers for Human Rights has supported staff in fighting alleged threats of dismissal. The strikers point out that farm workers earn roughly R7,300 for 48-hour weeks, highlighting the pay gap.
Astral Foods told AllAfrica that the strike affected operations but involved only 400 of the plant’s 2,500 staff. The company argued the dispute arose because it refuses to bargain with the SWF, which it does not recognize. Astral Foods denied claims of poor hygiene, calling them misleading and pointing to regular audits. The firm maintained that the high wage request is unaffordable and risks jobs, noting that other recognized unions have no disputes.