EFF members march against Flaming Silver company in Bethal

BETHAL – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) took to the streets to protest against the alleged unfair labour practices at the Flaming Silver company on Friday, 19 March.

The party claimed that the company is exploiting their workers and allegedly retrenching employees without following proper procedures.

The EFF alleged that employees are working in a hostile environment and are being bullied by management.

Ms Mavis Nsibande, EFF councillor, said the workers are always referred to as “dogs” by the company’s management.

She added that the workers are not paid a fixed amount and that their hourly rate often fluctuates.

“As we speak, the workers are being evicted from their current accommodation without notices.

“We deem this as their strategy to get rid of the workers so that space for cheap labour can be opened. As the EFF we will not allow any company to violate the rights of its workers. Come 8 May, we will be in power and we will ensure that we deal with such companies.”

In their memorandum handed over to Flaming Silver management, the EFF demanded that the company stop harassing its employees, stop the evictions, provide their company retrenchment policy, that the company use a working clicking system, and to pay workers their nightshift allowance.

The party gave the company seven working days to respond to the memorandum.

The memorandum was received by the company’s manager, Mr Sibusiso Simelane.

Mr Simelane distanced the company from the allegations labeled by the EFF.

He said that Flaming Silver was shocked to learn that a political party is protesting against them, and that it is unclear who are they representing.

“We enquired from our workers if the EFF is representing them and no one came forward. However, we will respond to the questions we feel are necessary.

“Our doors are open for them to tell us exactly what they want.”