Department of labour pays surprise visit to factory
The deputy minister of Employment and Labour, Jomo Sibiya, said they also found that the workers are underpaid and they are not allowed to take days off or leave.
The Department of Employment and Labour paid a surprise visit to a factory in Marburg last Friday, after a tip-off that it was not adhering to labour compliances.
The deputy minister of Employment and Labour, Jomo Sibiya, was accompanied by the Department of Home Affairs, Saps and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality leadership.
Sibiya said that he wanted to see if the workers rights are being protected and if the company is complying with the various Government Acts.
“What we found here is that workers are afraid to speak up because they fear that they will be fired.”
Sibiya said they also found that the workers are underpaid and they are not allowed to take days off or leave.
“They have been working from January till date, with no leave or day off. Also, they are not receiving overtime pay. What is meant to be a kitchen and changing room for them is in one area and very small. The ablution facility is also not up to standard.”
Sibiya also revealed that the company owes an estimated R800 000 in unpaid UIF.
Provincial and branch organiser for South African Workers Trade Union (SACTWU) Thenjiwe Mahaye said they have been struggling to get inside this factory.
“We have tried several times to appoint a shop steward, but we were failing until we saw posts on social media of the workers complaining, and only then we were let in.”
Mahaye said when she started investigating she found out that the workers were working day and night and they were not paid overtime or for public holidays.
“Our job is to protect the workers and that is what we are here for, we will deal with these issues raised by the minister.”
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