Woolworths workers storm through store

Hundreds of protesting Woolworths employees, stormed through an outlet in Johannesburg's CBD on Thursday, intimidating employees and assaulting a truck driver, police said.

"The striking workers, who were supposed to be at different picketing posts, stormed through the Woolworths store in Market Street," said Captain John Maluleke.

Employees are demanding that Woolworths' management recognise their trade union, the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu). They were in the city's CBD for a general meeting held by Saccawu at City Hall.

Maluleke said the protesters entered the store, demanding the employees present leave and join in protest action. They then assaulted a truck driver who came to the store to deliver goods.

"When the driver tried to get into the back of the store, they assaulted him and took his keys... we are not sure what weapon was used to assault the driver."

He said the protesters then moved the truck onto the street and left it there to disrupt traffic.

"The truck had to be towed away."

After police spoke to protesters they were escorted to Park Station, where they dispersed.

Maluleke said there was damage to the truck, but no arrests were made.

He was not sure if the store was damaged. "If there is any damage to the store then we will open a case."

He said that the workers were scheduled to come back on Friday, and police were patrolling the area.

Saccawu spokesman Thabo Mahlangu said the general public who arrived to show support for the employees may have been responsible for the incident.

He said this was because most employees were at the meeting at City Hall at the time of the incident.

"We had almost 3000 of our members inside City Hall when this incident happened... after the meeting the workers dispersed to their various picketing points," Mahlangu said.

He said that if it was found that Woolworths employees were responsible for the incident, necessary processes would take place within Saccawu.

"There will be disciplinary hearings if we find that they were involved. We don't condone this type of behaviour."

Management and Saccawu were still discussing the number of workers belonging to the union for it to be recognised.

Source: Sapa

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