South African dairy food workers continue months-long strike

Thousands of South African dairy food workers continue a months-long strike amidst media blackout.

The strike by 5,000 dairy workers at Clover Foods in South Africa, which began in November 2021, continues unabated, but information becomes harder to obtain with scant media coverage in South Africa. Reporting has largely focused on statements issued by the company and alleged violence from workers towards security guards.

It is, however, the General Industrial Workers Union of South Africa and Food and Allied Workers' Union members who have faced continual violence on the picket lines. While Clover blamed strikers for the deaths of two security guards, the unions say evidence gathered by them contradicts the accusations.

Clover workers are also suffering extreme economic hardship through months without pay. One said, "We have had to rely on relatives to help us with food and money for our bills," and another stated, "Food prices and transport costs are rising but [Clover] expects me to make do with a salary cut."

The outcome of meetings facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration two weeks ago between the Department of Employment and Labour, the unions and Clover management has yet to be reported by media outlets.

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