In November 2021, workers at companies owned by Massmart Holdings, including Game, Makro and Builders Warehouse, went on indefinite strike over low wages, restructuring, and changes to the terms and conditions of their employment.

The South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) expected the strike to draw more than 18,000 members across the country.

At Builders Warehouse, the union challenged restructuring and changes to their terms and conditions of employment, which included imposing a 40 hour working week with no premiums. The union also demanded an increase of 500 rand while Massmart offered only R320.

At Game, the union called for all workers who lost their jobs due to restructuring to be reinstated.

In December 2021, the strike ended after an agreement was reached, which included an across-the-board monthly wage increase of 400 rand, 4.5%, for all 45-hour permanent and 40-hour fixed employees who are union members. A 4.5% increase would also be applied to permanent part time workers.

At Game, Massmart said it would try to reinstate workers impacted by restructuring in other positions across the company.

Company comments can be found below.