It has been reported in the media that the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) is preparing to embark on protected industrial action following a long, drawn-out dispute between Saccawu and Pick n Pay over alleged racist practices.

Throughout the process, both Pick n Pay and its CEO have rejected these so-called racist allegations as being factually incorrect and that some of the allegations refer back to statements that Saccawu says were allegedly made as long as 10 years ago. Saccawu will not tell us why if these statements were in fact made, it has taken over a decade to raise with us. We reject their allegations outright.

Saccawu has obtained a certificate of non-resolution of certain of the dispute allegations but has so far not served Pick n Pay with the 48 hours notice of its intention to embark on strike action.

The reports that Pick n Pay has obtained an interdict on "spurious grounds" is incorrect as Pick n Pay's application for an interdict is only scheduled to be heard later today.

In an attempt to address the concerns of Saccawu Pick n Pay has on four separate occasions proposed that an independent Commission of Enquiry be conducted which Saccawu has rejected on each occasion.

Pick n Pay as always will adhere to the requirements of the law in addressing this dispute and will respect Saccawu?s rights in this regard as it always has in the past.

We believe these allegations are a disgrace, without any foundation and are in any event completely contrary to the company?s value system and what it has stood for, for over four decades.

The matter will now be handled internally with Saccawu.