Outsourced EPWP workers threaten shut down of CBD project

Outsourced expanded public works programme (EPWP) workers in Salvokop have asked government to intervene in their battle with their employer.

The workers defied an ultimatum by employer King Civil engineering contractors to return to work to instead protest outside the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in the CBD on Tuesday.

“You are herewith informed that your refusal to return to your workstations and continue with your work amounts to an unprotected work stoppage and/or illegal action,” the ultimatum by King Civil read.

It further stated that should the protesters refuse to resume their duties before 09:00 on March 28, disciplinary action may be taken against them.

Protester, Frans Molokomme, said his colleagues are demanding a wage increase from R37.57 per hour to R44.80.

“A minimum wage is supposed to be R44.80, which is regulated by the bargaining council of construction,” he said.

He said around March last year all attempts to discuss the matter peacefully with King Civil had failed.

He added that going to the department was their final attempt to voice their grievances without violence before they take further action.

Molokomme said though they want development in Salvokop to continue, he regrets to say that their next step would be to prevent non-protesting workers from accessing the construction.

He accused the company of intimidating and using various tricks to silence them.

“We are not allowed to discuss our grievances on site,” he said, adding that the company had installed cameras with microphones to spy on them, including in the dining area.

He said King Civil obtained a court order against the workers thus depriving them the opportunity to discuss employment issues of interest.

“The court interdict prevents us from meeting or discussing any labour issue,” he said.

He added that this restriction was no longer tolerable.

“This company has a project in Mamelodi where EPWP workers earn an acceptable minimum wage, they have a site in Delmas where EPWP workers earn a minimum wage. This is also the same with projects in Vereeniging and Mesina but here in Pretoria central, the very same company decides to pay us less than the other employees who do the same work as us.”

The department said it had taken note of the grievances and would discuss the matter with the relevant stakeholders for a full understanding and working together to come up with possible solutions.

“We will engage with a social facilitator, community liaison officer and King Civil,” department representative Ignatius Ariyo said.

He said upon discussing the matter with the relevant parties, the department would meet with the protesters on Monday for a report back.

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