Fruit worker strike ends
NUFAS has accepted Betko’s existing 5% wage increase, but the dispute over the union’s membership remains unresolved
Workers at Betko Fresh Produce in Villiersdorp ended a strike on Thursday after reaching an agreement with the National Union for All Sectors (NUFAS). Over 250 workers had gone on strike on Monday, demanding a 10% pay increase, changes to the provident fund, bonuses and better employment security. The dispute also involved a disagreement over whether NUFAS had enough members to negotiate on behalf of the company.
NUFAS president Mzikayise Mawuwa said they ended the strike to avoid any further violence after reports of intimidation of workers. The company agreed to terminate its contract with the provident fund and refund workers, as well as provide additional paid annual leave to long-serving employees. Betko's labour consultant Faizel Martin confirmed these offers, although he did not confirm if workers would receive their provident contributions back.
NUFAS remains a minority union since its recognition by the company in 2025, with membership growing from 22% to about 28% but never reaching a majority. The union's new demands for the next financial year include a 10% wage increase and guaranteed bonuses, but the disagreement over negotiating wages and conditions for 2026/27 remains unresolved.
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