WATCH: Food Lover’s Market at The Reef shuts doors unexpectedly
The Food Lover’s Market The Reef abruptly closed, leaving workers and customers in the dark.
The Food Lover’s Market at The Reef unexpectedly closed its doors, leaving employees and customers confused and seeking answers.
On the morning of September 16, staff arrived for their usual shifts only to find the store locked and deserted.
According to Bongiwe Skhakhane, an employee of more than two years, there had been no prior communication to most staff members about the closure.
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“The kitchen staff came in early and began spreading the word that the shop was closed. We were all confused because even the head office representatives who arrived that morning were unaware of what was happening,” said Skhakhane.
@bedfordview.edenv Staff arrived on September 16 to find the store locked, with no warning from management. Workers say they were left in the dark, and some customers lost deposits. Head office says the closure was the franchise owner’s decision and promises to help affected staff find jobs at nearby stores. #FoodLoversMarket #TheReef #BusinessClosure #EmployeeRights #GermistonCityNews
She added that only the afternoon shift staff, particularly the cashiers, had been told the night before not to return to work the following day.
“No official announcement was made to the rest of the employees, not even via the staff WhatsApp group. Customers were also affected, with some having paid deposits or full amounts for orders. The owners just packed up and left overnight,” Skhakhane said.
Unfair labour practices alleged
Skhakhane also alleged troubling labour practices during her employment.
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“We signed labour documents without reading or understanding them. The managers held the papers and simply pointed to where we had to sign. None of us has copies of our contracts,” she said.
Employees were reportedly treated as non-permanent staff, earning around R4 830 per month, working weekends and public holidays without bonuses, and being paid only on the last day of each month, including December.
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“Our salaries fluctuated monthly. If you complained or voiced dissatisfaction, you’d be fired. Most of us just kept quiet to keep our jobs,” Skhakhane said.
She added that the inconsistent pay made life difficult.
“Some months, I went into debt just to cover basic expenses like transport, food and rent. Now, I don’t even know if we will be paid for this month,” she said.
Mirella Gastaldi, head of legal for Food Lover’s Market, said the closure of The Reef store was a decision made independently by the franchise owner and not communicated to head office beforehand. Gastaldi said Food Lover’s Market only became aware after the closure of the store.
“We understand that this unexpected closure has created uncertainty for both colleagues and customers.
“Our immediate priority is to support the affected employees as best we can.
“Our human resources team has already reached out to share available opportunities at nearby Food Lover’s Market stores, where colleagues from The Reef will be given preference,” said Gastaldi.
