Staffers of the Strand department store giant Friedman & Cohen have initiated strike action following a deadlock in wage negotiations.
A group of employees have been picketing outside the store in Main Road since Monday (30 June). According to a staff member with over a decade of service, the industrial action stems from a disagreement over proposed wage increases.
“Friedman & Cohen is offering only a 2% increase, while we believe 5% is reasonable given current economic conditions.”
According to another employee, union members had originally requested a larger increase but scaled back their expectations. Despite this concession, the company continues to insist on the 2% raise it has offered in previous years.
“We are open to negotiation, but it requires give and take from both sides,”
the employee stated.
Store manager Grant Goodwin acknowledged the current impasse in wage negotiations while respecting employees’ right to industrial action.
Providing context, he explained that negotiations reached a deadlock following multiple meetings during the annual wage review process.
Discussions began in April, culminating in a final session at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on Monday 23 June. Around 30 employees, predominantly union members, are participating in the strike action.
“While it’s unfortunate we couldn’t achieve consensus during negotiations, I’m confident we’ll resolve this matter in the near future,”
Goodwin added.
Despite the strike, Friedman & Cohen remains open with contingency measures in place.
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