Protest erupts in Jacobs over employment concerns
Protesters claim that they are being underpaid and forced to work seven days a week without being granted any leave.
A HANDFUL of people staged a protest outside a factory in Jacobs on January 30 demanding that illegal immigrants be removed from factories and that local people be given the jobs.
Joining in the protest were workers from a shoe factory who complained of being underpaid.
Community leader in Ward 75, Bongani Hlatshwayo, said, “Workers are being paid R70 a day. They work from 06:00 until 18.00 every day, which is against the Labour Employment Act. Workers are not allowed to take leave. The conditions of employment are not of an acceptable standard.”
Hlatshwayo also raised concerns about undocumented foreign nationals working in factories around Jacobs.
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Protesters gathered early in the morning and sang revolutionary songs while calling for accountability from employers.
A memorandum was handed to the managers of a shoe factory, however, attempts to get comment from the company proved fruitless.
Protesters dispersed peacefully after handing over the memorandum.
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