They claim that employees working in the food and beverage department will be excluded in a wage increase.
“Why can’t they give all the employees a wage increase, it is unfair that waiters who serve the company will not get an increase,” says Deon Rulash, chairperson of the shop stewards at Carnival City.
They further allege they were locked out of work on Monday after they protested last Friday for the same reasons.
Employees are requesting an 8% wage increase.
South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) shop steward for Carnival City, Charles Mahlangu, explains that segregating workers will cause much damage between the employees.
“Most of the employees who work here are from Tsakane, we call it a staff village, and we fear that houses will be burnt because employees know who lives where,” he says.
“How can they lock people out who want to come and work, and say they will not pay them.”.
The matter has been taken to the Labour Court.
“We are awaiting judgement from the court, and until then, we refuse to go back to work until they give us what we are requesting,” says Rulash.
Group general manager, Micheal Farr, says Sun International has issued SACCAWU with a lockout notice.
“This means that from 8am on Friday, September 25, SACCAWU bargaining unit employees will not be allowed to enter Sun International’s premises for any purpose unless they have first unconditionally accepted the final offer.
“Employees making use of our housing facilities will be allowed to enter those premises for the use of accommodation.
“Those employees who unconditionally accept our offer will be welcome to return to work and will receive an increase of 7% backdated to July 1, 2015.
“We will continue to engage with the union.”
