Gys Du Toit
"FAWU's approach aimed at influencing workers to conduct themselves in a destructive manner"
Dutoit Agri said they were proud of their achievements in creating sustainable jobs over a period of more than 100 years and would not be diverted by unfounded allegations.
The company stated that FAWU's media release was a deliberate ploy to mislead the public with misinformation and untruths.
They state that in reality FAWU did not comply with previous negotiated agreements, suggesting that FAWU has lost touch with developments at grassroots level and show little appreciation for employers that are developing the South African economy — Businesses that are creating employment opportunities that are desperately needed and that are providing social benefits to people at grassroots-level.
"FAWU's approach is apparently aimed at influencing workers to conduct themselves in a destructive manner, rather than one that will encourage investment. Dutoit Agri has made a wage increase proposal to its workers and they should be granted the opportunity to decide for themselves whether they want to participate in the strike action or whether they want to continue with their work," said Managing Director, Gys Du Toit in a statement.
"We are however well aware of FAWU's manner of intimidation of workers that want to exercise their right to decide for themselves to work, rather than strike. In doing so FAWU deliberately deprives workers of their democratic rights. FAWU will better serve the interests of the workers to negotiate in good faith and in an honourable manner. If not, the community is at risk that Dutoit Agri workers will be deprived of their ability to put food on the table for them and their families," he concludes.