Massmart group workers have embarked on strike action over grievances related to wages and changes to their working conditions.

The workers affiliated to the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) are unhappy about a group-wide imposition of unilateral restructuring and changes to their employment. It says this includes the slashing of working hours from 195 to 120 hours with the consequences being a wage reduction.

It also says that Makro wants to enforce among others an unreasonably high target for commission earners.

Saccawu is also locked in a wage dispute at Massbuild. The union wants a R500 across the board increase but the employer insists on R320.

The Massmart Group of companies include Makro, Game, Builders Express, and Jumbo Cash & Carry.

The industrial action comes a week before Black Friday.

[Header image: Cosatu]