SACTU SECTION 77: MAY 2001

Reasons for Protest

The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers Union intend initiating socio-economic protest action against the retail sector for the following reasons:

1. The continuing job losses in the clothing, textile and footwear manufacturing industry caused, inter alia, by the sourcing decisions of retailers.
2. High levels of imports by retailers.
3. Pricing policies of retailers towards manufacturers.
4. The practices of retailers in shifting their sources to low wages areas, and exploiting workers in the informal sector.

SACTWU demands that the retail sector:

1. Actively increase the total proportion of goods in their stores that are manufactured locally, through setting goals and targets with the union in this regard.
2. Commit to entering into a legally binding Code of Conduct between Cosatu and the companies that will govern retailer dealings with suppliers, in particular that will require suppliers to comply with the labour and tax laws, guarantee freedom of association and the right to bargain collectively on wages and working conditions, adhere to bargaining council agreements, pursue fair labour practices, pay workers a living wage promote job creation and job security, and promote trade union involvement in the development of the industry,
   Agree to deal with the manufacturing sector in a more supportive manner, and not impose a price freeze on manufacturers, which results in pressure for wage freezes.
3. Agree to disclose sub-contracting and supplier arrangements involving home workers and workers in the informal sector, and enter into an agreement with COSATU and its affiliates to promote the socio-economic interests of such workers.

Annexure 2: Nature of Protest

The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers Union intend initiating socio-economic protest action against the retail sector including in the following ways:

1. Mass rallies outside retail stores. These stores include those situated in malls and stand-alone stores.
2. Placard demonstrations at targeted retail warehouses, retail company offices, distribution points and any other commercial centre associated with any of the retail companies.
3. Solidarity campaigns aimed at the media, shareholders, employees, bankers, suppliers and any organisation or individual sponsored or in the employment of any of the retail operations.
4. Picketing outside targeted retail property or property linked to any of the retail companies.
5. Demonstrations at events sponsored by any of the retail companies
6. Targeted contact with customers of these retail stores informing them of the reasons for the protest action.
7. Call for consumer boycotts through general mass gatherings and protest campaign activities.
8. Siyalala's at the retail companies and associated operations during operating hours for the purpose of retarding and/or obstructing work in order to defend the socio-economic interests of workers.