AMALGAMATED Beverages Industries (ABI) has appealed for calm among its striking workers as the Food and Allied Workers' Union (Fawu) intensified its industrial action yesterday.

AMALGAMATED Beverages Industries (ABI) has appealed for calm among its striking workers as the Food and Allied Workers' Union (Fawu) intensified its industrial action yesterday.

The firm has sought protection from the courts because of escalating violence among strikers at some ABI depots.

"We are appalled by this behaviour and as a result of the violence and intimidation ABI has asked the courts for legal protection and has increased its security to ensure that nonstriking employees are free to enjoy their right to work," ABI managing director John Ustas said.

"We ask the union to ensure that its members respect the rule of law."

On Tuesday the company said its trucks were fire-bombed and stoned, as were employee and delivery vehicles. Nonstriking workers were allegedly intimidated.

ABI said it remained committed to talking to the union to end the impasse. It was offering striking workers a 8,3 percent pay rise, while Fawu was demanding 9,5 percent. - Sapa