Pietermaritzburg businesses targeted in labour rights showdown
RESOLUTIONS
A screenshot of a video of members of the Labour and Civic Organisation at a business in Pietermaritzburg last week.
Image: Supplied
LABOUR and Civic Organisation (Laco) members have confronted multiple Pietermaritzburg businesses over alleged unfair labour practices, leading to agreements on workplace reforms.
Business leaders warn these aggressive tactics could damage the regional economy and undermine rule of law
Last week, videos circulated on social media showing members of Laco storming several businesses, including Daymed Private Hospital and SuperSave supermarket.
On Sunday, Laco escalated its engagement by storming supermarket, Save Hyper, with further reports of complaints surfacing.
In response to these confrontations, SuperSave issued a public statement detailing resolutions from discussions with Laco. These included commitments to ensure that workers are paid according to their contractual hours, measures against the suspension or victimisation of employees, and the introduction of a suggestion box to facilitate open communication between staff and management.
Meanwhile, Daymed Private Hospital expressed gratitude to the community and its staff in a post on Facebook.
“The outpouring of love and support has touched us deeply and reminded us of the strength, compassion and unity within our community. It strengthens our resolve to continue serving and uplifting those in need,” it read.
Save Hyper also held discussions with Laco representatives that resulted in significant pledges, including the elimination of foreign workers, an external payroll audit, and the implementation of a new payroll procedure to enhance accuracy. Additionally, disciplinary actions were promised for any management or supervisory personnel found guilty of disrespectful conduct toward employees.
A member of Laco told the POST that they are an independent civic organisation, and their actions are not politically motivated despite prior affiliations with the MK Party.
However, the actions of Laco have led to criticism from various quarters.
Melanie Veness, CEO of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business, strongly condemned the methods used by Laco, asserting that such behaviour can severely damage the regional economy.
“It is illegal and, in some instances, criminal. This kind of intimidation undermines the rule of law and can lead to investor hesitation.”
Essa Hassim, secretary of the Minara Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern over the increasingly common practice of storming businesses under the pretext of addressing unfair labour practices.
“These aggressive actions threaten livelihoods and can undermine the very stability that workers depend on.”
Teboho Thejane, spokesperson for the Department of Labour in KZN said: “Only inspectors have the right to the workplace to conduct inspections, and no one else. If any worker or citizen is aware of contravention of labour laws, they must report the transgression to the nearest labour center so the inspectors can intervene and conduct an inspection.”