Workers Strike at Festive Chickens Plant Amid Health and Safety Disputes

Workers at the Festive Chickens processing plant in Olifantsfontein, Kempton Park, have been engaged in a protected strike for two weeks, raising serious concerns regarding workplace safety, hygiene, and compensation. The striking employees are demanding a salary adjustment of 13,500 rand along with medical aid coverage.

Representatives from the Simunye Workers Forum and the Casual Worker Advice Office highlighted multiple grievances, including prolonged exposure to freezing environments without proper personal protective equipment, dust exposure, long working hours, and workplace injuries. Joshua Hlungwani of the Simunye Workers Forum stated that the absence of company-recognized medical aid creates significant hurdles when workers fall ill and present clinic certificates.

Further allegations emerged concerning severe hygiene issues at the factory. An anonymous worker claimed that after a washing machine broke down, employees across nine different shifts were forced to share unwashed uniforms and protective gear for up to three days. Connie Masekwameng, an organizer with the Casual Worker Advice Office, added that job insecurity among casual laborers makes many afraid to voice complaints.

Trade union federation Cosatu has condemned the reported treatment of casual workers at the facility and announced plans to conduct its own investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, the industrial action has forced the plant to operate with a reduced workforce, prompting management to implement contingency measures to boost production.

Astral Foods, the parent company, issued a statement on November 7, 2026, categorically rejecting the allegations of unsafe and unhygienic working conditions, calling the claims false and misleading. The company emphasized that Festive undergoes regular audits for food safety and hygiene compliance against recognized standards such as ISO and FSSC 22000.

The poultry producer also noted that the plant is subject to regulatory inspections by the Department of Employment and Labour and the Department of Health, alongside permanently stationed inspectors from the Agency for Food Safety and Quality. Astral rejected assertions that workers fear victimization, stating that established grievance procedures and recognized trade unions are available for staff.

Astral asserted that the strike stems from a collective-bargaining dispute declared by the Simunye Workers Forum over organizational rights, noting that the union is not officially recognized at the facility where two other unions represent the majority of workers. Furthermore, the company alleged that striking individuals have engaged in violence and intimidation against employees wishing to work, leading to criminal cases being filed with the South African Police Service.