The Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms. Nomakhosazana Meth, has intervened in Pick ‘n Pay’s looming retrenchment of over 22 000 workers. The company submitted a Section 189 notice on 4 May 2026, commencing the 60-day consultation process towards the retrenchments.
The Section 189 notice of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, permits employers to dismiss employees based on their operational requirements and sets out the provision for the employer to consult in terms of the collective agreement.
In accordance with the expanded mandate of the Department in job preservation, Minister Meth convened the national leadership of the Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) led by General Secretary Solly Phetoe, South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU), led by President Patrick Hailane, and Pick ‘n Pay top Executives, led by Group CEO Sean Summers, including Pick ‘n Pay national Company Council Chairperson Cyril Mpanza.
The Minister’s intervention successfully steered the parties toward common ground, prioritising job security and economic stability. The parties have agreed to return to the bargaining table with set timelines, following an intensive six-hour engagement session yesterday, Wednesday, 3 June. The meeting follows requests by both Pick ‘n Pay CEO and Organised Labour, for Minister’s intervention in the matter.
“I want to highly commend the leadership of Pick n Pay, COSATU and SACCAWU for their maturity, patriotism and willingness to find each other. By agreeing to actively look for alternative, sustainable solutions through the collective bargaining negotiations is a positive step for workers, the retail sector and South Africans in general. Furthermore, we extend our best wishes to all parties,” says Minister Meth.
Next steps and confidentiality
Talks are currently at a highly delicate stage. While the mood is optimistic and the halt of the CCMA process is a major milestone, all parties have agreed to handle the ongoing discussions with utmost care and sensitivity. To ensure that progress is made, and the
integrity of the negotiation process is preserved, no further comment will be provided at this stage until final agreement is reached.
The Department of Employment and Labour remains committed to facilitating a fair, sustainable outcome that protects the livelihood of all parties, while ensuring business sustainability.
