Union calls on the state to start own food company

THE Food and Allied Workers Union came out from its congress last week with a resolution to call for a state-owned food producing company.

Fawu general secretary Katishi Masemola yesterday said a state-owned food producing firm would be essential to stop private-sector monopoly and fight corruption such as food-price fixing.

"Calling for a state-owned food producing company is not calling for the nationalisation of the food industry. We are saying food is very expensive. We need a state-controlled company to compete with those in the private sector. This will also help with securing food security," Masemola said.

Fawu members mainly work in farming and food processing industries.

He said another resolution was to join other civil organisations aiming to protest at the international climate change conference to be held in Durban in December.

The union also promised to wage war on tenderpreneurs; support the banning of labour brokers and to campaign to increase the current minimum wage of R1 300 a month for its members.