Retail group temporarily closes stores

By Chanel September

The strike by Shoprite Checkers workers has reached a critical point, as acts of violence and vandalism has forced the retail group to temporarily close some of its stores.

This comes after three stores were stormed and set alight by angry staff. Nine suspects, thought to be striking workers, appeared in court on Monday.

Shoprite Checkers is now considering launching a civil action suit against the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU), but the union denies any association with the vandalism, saying that the allegations are ‘malicious, if not propaganda’.

Mike Tau the chairperson of SACCAWU told the Cape Times that it is the people of the community who committed the acts and not their union members.

Stores in Cape Town have reportedly been closed as a precautionary measure.