THE NEW WORKER

In January 2024, PepsiCo deducted as much as half the salaries of many of the workers at their factory in Ceres in the rural Western Cape. They did this without consulting or even informing the workers. They did it in January, when workers are already under lots of pressure financially. Workers said that this came as a big shock, and created tension and conflict within families and the community.

PepsiCo claim that they overpaid workers by mistake in December 2023, and that is why they made the deductions. They claim that workers can choose: they can get a full 13th cheque in December; or a two or three week bonus in December, with the rest of the money being paid to them throughout the year.

But it has become clear: there are lots of problems with PepsiCo's "system". Some workers were never given a choice on how their bonus will be paid. There are unexplained pay differences between workers doing the same work. Even the money that they deducted in January 2024 was in many cases more than what they say they overpaid.

It is also clear: PepsiCo has no respect for workers. As CWAO, we assisted 176 workers in referring this case to the CCMA. On 14 November 2024, the CCMA ruled that CWAO will be allowed to represent the workers in the case. We are now waiting for a date for the arbitration, and we will continue to assist workers in organising against the attacks from the bosses.

Category: THE NEW WORKER | WORKERS' STORIES