Ballito’s streets trashed in wage dispute

A thirty-strong group of disgruntled workers made their way up Ballito Drive this morning (Thursday), tipping dustbins and trashing the street as they went.

According to the UIP’s Thierry Leclezio, the protesters were from Green Earth Landscapes, a company contracted to the UIP.

Green Earth Landscapes owner Harry Diskenson said the protest was due to disputes about wages, work hours and leave.

“They were demanding an increase in their wages to R3500. This will be the new minimum wage as of next year – but they are demanding it now,” he said.

The protesters were also asking for larger bonuses and that the company contribute more towards maternity leave.

“We pay the standard amount in the industry,” said Dickenson.

“We just do not have the funds at the moment to pay them what they are demanding.”

Also read: WATCH: Truck set alight during Doringkop protest

He said the CCMA had issued the protesters with a certificate for the demonstration, but that it did not cover behaviour such as trashing streets and the like.

However, Umhlali SAPS spokesperson Vinny Pillay said the protest was illegal.

“SAPS did not receive any notice of a planned protest,” said Pillay.

Meanwhile, Dickenson said other employees had been brought in to clean up after the protesters.

“I was personally out there at six this morning picking up rubbish.”

>>  Expect to find the latest trends in Health, Wellness and Beauty in Ballito.

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