Strike at Food Export Board in South Africa Could Affect Exports

Around 20 employees of the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) picketed outside the head office of the company in Plattekloof, South Africa on Wednesday in protest, seeking increased wages and further benefits. The picket is currently planned to continue until Friday depending on the company's reaction.

The workers are demanding an 8.5% salary increase and an increased car allowance. Ettienne Rahl, an employee for 17 years and chairperson of the trade union Solidarity in the PPECB said the workers had been negotiating since January, but management had only offered a 7% increase.

The PPECB offers "quality certification and cold chain management services for producers and exporters of perishable food products".

According to Ettienne Rahl, the strike will have a huge effect on exports of food and the workers are hoping that exporters will put pressure on management. "We are intending to disrupt the business as much as possible, to force them to sit down and listen to our demands", he said.

The offices affected were Langkloof, Sunday's River Valley, Montague Gardens, Tzaneen, Gauteng Centre, Ceres, Groblersdal and Nelspruit, said Rabie.