Turkstra Bakery employees embarked on a protest march today, demanding the immediate dismissal of the labour consultant appointed by Turkstra.
The employees who were represented by SACCAWU (South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union) say the working conditions have deteriorated since the appointment of the labour consultant. They described him as arrogant, racist, and not complying with the ‘Basic Conditions of the Employment Act’.
In a memorandum handed to the Turkstra Bakery owner, Gerhard Turkstra, the employees say four workers were unfairly dismissed, black workers are told not to speak their African languages amongst themselves, they are victimised, there is a use of derogatory and insulting language when being addressed, and a lack of safe and affordable transport when reporting for duty in the early hours of the morning.
They have also demanded that the bakery complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act provisions, reinstatement of the four workers, disciplinary action to be taken against white workers who harass, victimise and discriminate against black workers in the workplace.
Gerhard was given 14 days to respond positively to the memorandum. In his address, Gerhard said the memorandum was well prepared. “I will try to find a peaceful solution’, he said.

*Read next week’s Potchefstroom Herald for a comprehensive report.