The Food and Allied Workers’ Union (Fawu) is pushing for a better wage increase for Heineken workers, with the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) throwing its full support behind the union’s demands. Demands for Heineken workersThe union is demanding a 7% across-the-board wage increase, backdated to 1 February 2026 for the legacy Sedibeng Brewery and 1 April 2026 for the legacy Distell operations. An increase in the meal allowance from R74 to R80 for shift workers and employees working overtime. “Ultimately, the union remained with only its principal demand of a 7% wage increase and the revised meal allowance demand.” Despite these compromises, Heineken still won’t move from its original 5% wage increase.