South Africa: FAWU members at Rainbow Chicken on strike for improved wages, working conditions

The 4,500 FAWU members at the farms and processing plants of Rainbow Chicken, South Africa’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, have been on a national strike since 26 May in pursuit of a wage increase, a reduction in working hours and an increase in the minimum wage on the farms.

Processing workers currently work exhausting 9-hour days – many in cold-store facilities – and are demanding a reduction in working hours. FAWU is calling for a move from a 45 to a 40-hour work week and 8-hour shifts.

The company is currently employing scab labour. Workers remain adamant that they will remain on strike until their demands are met.

Source: FAWU