The African National Congress (ANC) Parliamentary Study Group on Employment and Labour has publicly supported Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth’s intervention in a major retrenchment dispute involving retail giant Pick n Pay, where more than 22,000 jobs are reportedly at risk.The intervention follows a Section 189 restructuring process initiated by the company in May 2026 as part of efforts to improve profitability.

Pick n Pay’s proposed restructuring includes changes to Sunday pay structures, increased weekend shifts, and greater scheduling flexibility for staff.

While the company argues these measures are necessary for financial sustainability, they have raised serious concerns among trade unions and workers regarding job security and fair labour practices.

Labour organisations, including the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), have strongly opposed the scale of potential job losses and escalated the matter to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).This led to heightened tensions and warnings of possible industrial action.Minister Meth facilitated a high-level, six-hour negotiation session involving Pick n Pay executives and labour representatives.

According to the ANC Study Group, this engagement helped to temporarily halt the retrenchment process and allowed the parties to return to collective bargaining under clearer timelines.The group described this outcome as an important example of effective social dialogue in resolving complex labour disputes.

While welcoming the temporary pause in job cuts, the ANC emphasised that negotiations are still ongoing and urged all parties to maintain transparency and constructive engagement.It stressed that fair labour practices and job retention must remain central to the discussions.

The Study Group further praised all stakeholders for their willingness to pursue negotiated solutions, stating that the intervention represents a significant moment for labour relations in South Africa and highlights the role of government mediation in balancing worker protections with business sustainability.