Employers respond to Watercrest mall strike
The memorandum will be answered by Rowles Property Group by Monday 28 July.
CONSTRUCTION workers who went on strike on Inanda Road, Waterfall yesterday, attempted to resolve their issues by handing over a memorandum to Rowles Property Group that evening and are now forced to wait patiently for feedback.
David Rowles, the owner of Rowles Property Group, confirmed that Simon Pitcher, the development facilitator, has received a memorandum and the company has been given seven days to respond.
He also said the contents are being dealt with by the community leaders.
He said the protests stemmed from construction workers’ concerns regarding the lack of employment opportunities given to the local community at Watercrest Mall.
“Some of the grievances are of a municipal and provincial nature and the provision for taxi facilities in the centre, and others relate to local labour employed on site.
“We are working with the local community leaders in order to resolve the issues relating to employment on the site.
“A full taxi facility including ablutions is already planned for and are being constructed within the centre,” he said.
According to Ward 9 councillor, Sithembiso Mchunu, residents are “sick and tired” of employment opportunities being given to workers from outside the community.
Mchunu said she was at the protest yesterday and had to calm down the frustrated workers when the situation turned violent.
Addressing the allegations of political preference influencing employment, Rowles said to to date, more than 30 per cent of the total labour employed has been sourced from local wards.
“The contractors have employed a dedicated community liaison officer (CLO) whose sole purpose is to ensure that local labour is given every opportunity to be part of the work force.
These figures are reported on a monthly basis and have been communicated to the representatives of the local community.
At no time do potential employees from the local community have to present their political party card in order to seek employment. This is absolutely untrue,” he said.
