Striking lodge employees vow to continue protest
“He told us before he came here that we are not going to get anything because we are useless, we can’t even do our jobs. So what can we do,”
MHLATHI KOP – Striking junior employees at the four-star Pestana Kruger Lodge, outside Malalane, have vowed not to return to work until their demands were met.
This after they downed tools on August 1, and went on strike demanding to be paid more than R3 000 a month.
Strikers have also accused the hotel’s general manager, Mr Simon Rossin, of being a racist.
According to an employee, who wished not to be named, there were other hotels under the Pestana flagship where the employees were paid better.
He said, “We are a different company, all under Pestana, but there are certain hotels where the employees get 10 per cent salary increase without having a strike. We are under the same group but they are earning more than us, we are undermined.”
He furthermore blamed this on an all-white management which is said to run the hotel.
“There are no blacks. So that is why I am saying it is all about racism. We are like tools, they use you and when you get old they throw you away then buy another one,” he said.
The protester added that they would not just be used as tools, and they were not happy to be on strike, however, they felt they had no other choice.
“We are not happy to be here, we want to be happy. As we speak I want food, but I don’t have money for food. We really want money,” he added.
He also said that Rossin had told them before they downed tools that they would not achieve anything.
“He told us before he came here that we are not going to get anything because we are useless, we can’t even do our jobs. So what can we do,” explained the protester.
Another employee informed this paper that foreign nationals without legal work permits were brought in the country by the management, to ensure things kept running smoothly during the duration of the strike.
She said, “I don’t know if it is allowed, but according to the labour law they are not allowed to come here without a work permit, especially if they are coming from another country. But they are here.”
They were not against foreign nationals working in the country, however, they should have the correct paperwork.
She added that they were very worried about the strike. “It is not like we wanted to strike, but if the company can’t meet our demands, then obviously we have to do this one.”
She concluded by saying they would be staying at the entrance of the hotel until their demands were met.
When Corridor Gazette contacted the hotel in a bid to speak to Rossin, it was informed he was busy.
