FAWU plans protest marches against imports

The Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) is gearing up to lead protest marches to the EU Commission offices next week in a bold move to challenge the influx of cheap chicken imports inundating South Africa. The surge in imports has triggered local poultry producers like RCL Foods to make the difficult decision to cut hundreds of jobs, sending shockwaves through the industry. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, FAWU Secretary-General, Katishi Masemola, shed light on the dire situation facing the poultry sector in the country and the urgent need for government intervention. Masemola highlighted the unfair competition posed by heavily subsidized chicken imports from the European Union, which have created an uneven playing field for local producers. The union is calling for protective measures such as tariffs to safeguard jobs and the future of the industry. Masemola affirmed that local poultry producers have the capacity to meet domestic demand but are struggling to compete with the artificially low prices of imported chicken products. The union is also wary of potential challenges from US imports under the Agoa agreement and is closely monitoring the situation. FAWU is actively engaged in discussions with industry players and government officials to advocate for policies that will support and strengthen the local poultry sector. Masemola emphasized the need for urgent action to save jobs and prevent further losses in the industry. He announced plans for protest marches and vowed to continue pressuring the government to secure fair trade terms with the European Union, even if it means sparking a trade dispute. The union's steadfast commitment to protecting local jobs and promoting sustainable growth in the poultry sector underscores the gravity of the situation and the critical importance of swift and decisive action.