HIGHVELD – Construction, Mining, Energy and Engineering Workers Union (COMEEWU) accused some companies, including local mines, of undermining the lockdown regulations.
The trade union has been doing oversight visits in various companies and mines to monitor compliance and to give support to their members.
During the visit, the union said they have noted a gross violation of the lockdown regulations by some companies which include overcrowding in the work area.
It is alleged that the workers are not taken care of by the employers and that they are prioritising profit over the lives of the workers.
Mr Muzi Khumalo, secretary general of COMEEWU, said some companies are not giving workers personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitisers.
“For example, change rooms are overcrowded and there is no social distancing at all.
“Workers rush to showers in large numbers so that they can get hot shower, because if they wait they end up having a cold shower.
“Employers are exposing workers to death and they do not seem to care.”
COMEEWU donated masks and sanitisers to their members in various companies and further urged the management to continue issuing PPE to workers.
Mr Khumalo said during the visits they also discovered that some contractors are allegedly involved in corrupt activities.
It is alleged that some contractors who have been rendering services for Essential Services Companies have claimed money from the UIF while workers were working throughout the lockdown period.
Mr Khumalo alleged that these companies have pocketed the money.
He said the union have reported the matter to the Department of Labour.
The union is also engaging with companies to come up with strategies on how they can save jobs after Covid-19.
COMEEWU was established in 2018 and gazetted in June 2019.
They are currently having over 5000 members throughout the country.
The union called on companies to comply with the regulation and to prioritise the safety of workers.
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