Israel targeted in Clover dispute

Two South African trade unions striking at Clover have received support from 25 other organisations to demand the ‘nationalisation’ of the country’s largest dairy producer, Beeld reports. Unions Giwusu and Fawu have been striking since 22 November in what originally appeared to be unrealistic demands for wage increases and resistance to restructuring. However, the labour dispute has now broadened to include the Competition Commission and sympathy action from other unions and organisations who are planning marches to the Competition Commission, Union Buildings and the embassy of Israel. The Israeli consortium, Milco, obtained a majority interest in Clover in 2019 subject to certain conditions. The unions allege that the conditions have been transgressed. Although the Competition Commission undertook to investigate the allegations, the unions have shifted focus to include ‘nationalisation’ for the benefit of Clover’s workers as one of the main demands. The unions take issue with the Israeli consortium’s alleged transgressions in the Israeli/Palestine conflict and demand the abandonment of restructuring, reappointment of sacked workers, and wage increases.