The South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) expresses its deep concern over the continued unfair treatment of Boxer employees. It is unacceptable that workers who play a vital role in the company’s success continue to be denied basic rights, fair working conditions and equal employment benefits.
Despite Boxer being one of South Africa’s leading food retailers, with a market capitalisation of approximately R33 billion, many employees continue to experience exploitation and unequal treatment.
Unsafe Working Conditions
SACCAWU strongly condemns the company’s failure to provide safe and reliable transport for employees required to work late-night and early-morning shifts. Workers should never have to risk their safety simply because they are reporting for duty or returning home after serving the company.
We call on Boxer to provide reliable transport from the workplace directly to employees’ homes for all qualifying shifts.
Unpaid Overtime
We are equally disturbed by reports that employees are instructed to clock out at the end of their scheduled shifts and then return to continue working without pay. If proven, this practice amounts to unpaid labour and is a serious violation of workers’ rights and South African labour legislation. Every employee deserves to be paid for every hour worked.
End the Discrimination Against Flexitimers
For more than a decade, the issue of flexitimers benefits has remained unresolved despite repeated engagements. Flexitimers continue to be excluded from benefits enjoyed by permanent employees. While they receive funeral benefits, they are denied access to performance bonuses, provident fund membership and meaningful medical aid benefits.
This injustice has devastating long-term consequences. Many employees retire after decades of loyal service with no retirement savings, leaving them financially vulnerable. This stands in stark contrast to workers in comparable retailers who are able to retire with meaningful retirement benefits after years of service. Long service should be rewarded with dignity, not poverty.
Boxer Can Afford to Do Better
The company’s financial position clearly demonstrates that it has the capacity to improve the lives of its employees. A business valued at approximately R33 billion cannot reasonably claim that it is unable to provide safe transport, fair remuneration and basic retirement security for the very workers who contribute to its success every day.
Our Call
The union calls on Boxer management to:
• Immediately provide safe and reliable transport for employees working late-night and early-morning shifts.
• End all forms of unpaid work and ensure employees are paid for every hour worked.
• Extend provident fund, medical aid and performance bonus benefits to flexitimers.
• Engage in meaningful negotiations and resolve these longstanding issues without further delay.
Workers deserve respect, dignity and fairness. As SACCAWU we remain committed to protecting their rights and will continue to pursue every lawful avenue until these legitimate demands are addressed.
Issued by:
Jerrie Mmoneri (SACCAWU Deputy General Secretary)