I am not pro-union, but this time support the union allegations that racism exists in South African retailers with little evidence of transformation. I was a retail executive at one of the largest SA retailers. At all retailers, the overwhelming majority of management, and executive structures are white (the figures speak for themselves). The majority of store staff are black. A glass ceiling exists for talented black staff. How is it done, you may ask? The performance management processes are subjectively enforced to benefit the growth and development of white employees because the white executive structures have “more in common� with these staff members. Black staff in stores are often subject to abuse with little recourse to company disciplinary processes. After a few years, I left in frustration as many talented black staff were marginalized and eventually became frustrated, reflecting their behavior toward customers. There is also little justification for the enormous salary, share option differences between executive and store level staff (predominantly black). I am just surprised that this issue is only now coming to the fore. I don’t know whether this comment will be published.

I am not pro-union, but this time support the union allegations that racism exists in South African retailers with little evidence of transformation. I was a retail executive at one of the largest SA retailers. At all retailers, the overwhelming majority of management, and executive structures are white (the figures speak for themselves). The majority of store staff are black. A glass ceiling exists for talented black staff. How is it done, you may ask? The performance management processes are subjectively enforced to benefit the growth and development of white employees because the white executive structures have “more in common� with these staff members. Black staff in stores are often subject to abuse with little recourse to company disciplinary processes. After a few years, I left in frustration as many talented black staff were marginalized and eventually became frustrated, reflecting their behavior toward customers. There is also little justification for the enormous salary, share option differences between executive and store level staff (predominantly black). I am just surprised that this issue is only now coming to the fore. I don’t know whether this comment will be published.

people need to stop worrying about race and they need to stop whining. they need to do their work and just stop complaining.. for crying out loud. racism is stupid, but so is accusing people of being racist.

"A RISING TIDE RAISES ALL THE SHIPS" - the more people contributing in a positive manner would have a domino effect on the economy / customer relations/whatever else you can think of. Feeling badly done by all the time, dear strikers, does none of the above and only makes you attract more situations in which to feel badly done by. You thought it (or the union did!), and you FELT it - so you created it. Create something better - bet you can if you try.

Would it not be nice if all the anti Ackerman(Pick n'Pay) writers would put up their own money -which he did-and then struggle along over the years to create a viable business. A business that employs 38000 people!!! Maybe then and only then would you give credit where it is due. No racism just hard work

Thabo - your racism shows through yet again, how do you know I'm white? Truth of the matter is I'm not White but a concerned South African who is sick and tired of you and your brethren sitting complaining with your hands held out for handouts and crying race card when you don't get what you want. I'll bet that I do more for black economic development and social upliftment than you, time to get off your lazy entitlement cultured ass and do some honest work, maybe then you'll get the recognition you seek.

Tell you what... decide who you wish to employ on a contract basis. When times up.... times up !

Pick n Pay remains my favourite supermarket where I do most of my shopping. So to 'hell' with those who pull a race card even when it's not necessary. Viva Raymond Ackerman Viva!!!

Thabo, Bullet, don't be angry because thats the way God said it that way. If i am racist according to you, then know you are one to, because it does take one to know one

I'm not going to entertain any comments from GF.A - you generalise when it comes to black people....I bet you would'nt be this concerned if all of this happend during the apartheid days. And to you Sue - I agree with you about everybody doing a good job and fighting the right battles. I'm affected by crime and I'm not intending on going to Australia(running away from my problems). I'm a working class and everything that I have, was through hard work and honesty. I think that SOME white people like GF.A dont want to take part in redeveloping this country and now they are trying to influeance others and bringing the spirit of our constitution down. I have great respect for the Ackerman family and certanly think that they have done they part in developing this country, but my problem is, most the middle management e.g GF.A are juist there to make things worse though there are GOOD white people like SUE. I think the issue here is generalisation.