Nine employees of Picasso retirement home in Salt Rock were on strike on Thursday, April 30 demanding an increase in salaries.
They also claimed that the manager of the retirement home, Sarah Raw, called them a “bunch of monkeys.”
“I did not say that on purpose. I was angry because the elderly people were not taken care of while they were busy making a noise outside the home. In fact I said they behaved like monkeys,” said Raw.
The majority of the elderly residents are in their 90’s.
According to one of the caregivers, who asked to remain anonymous, they started negotiations with their boss, Julio Forno in May last year and they had not had any positive feedback.
“We are getting paid R1 800 a month and we are taking care of ten elderly people who each pay R9 000 a month. We are asking for at least R200 per day,” she said.
They are four caregivers, two cleaners, two chefs and one gardener working at the retirement home.
Forno said the workers are back at work.
“As far as I know the matter has been settled and they are all working as we speak,” said Forno.
A meeting between the employees and employer to discuss the issue, has been scheduled.
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