South Africa's, Food and Allied Workers' Union (Fawu) has accused Amalgamated Beverage Industries (ABI) of apartheid-style curbing of political expression.The union has claimed the management at the company's Pretoria plant last week called on workers not to utter political slogans, such as "Viva, ANC [African National Congress], viva" at memorial services for deceased staff.
In a statement to the media, Fawu said "Fawu is of the view this kind of behaviour is blatant discrimination against our members' political beliefs. We strongly disagree with ABI's request to members to curb their freedom of expression".
"Members were used to convening these memorial services on the company's premises until the recent announcement (last Monday) from management. Some workers allege that recent changes in the management could be blamed for coming up with these regulations. "
According to workers here, 85% of management is white and members of the opposition parties."
It appears the problem started when a memorial service was held for the late Robert Mushwane, at the end of which some employees called out: "Viva ANC, viva SACP [South African Communist Party]".
Management received complaints from a number of employees indicating that in the workplace, party-political slogans were not appropriate. The matter was discussed with union representative and resolved.
