Construction workers picket outside Bateleur

Unhappy workers of Nelspruit Construction downed tools on Tuesday and protested outside Bateleur Estate in demand of a five per cent wage increase, better treatment while on duty by supervisors and a basic minimum wage for general workers. Daniel Ngomane, a shop steward, said they were struggling to make ends meet. “We are unable to provide for our families due to the amount we receive from our employer. “We want them to increase our salaries, but they say they do not have money. Our problem is that we are building houses worth millions in this estate and the construction company is making a lot of money, but then they tell us that they do not have any for us. ALSO READ:Tributes pour in for legendary journalist Dumisane Lubisi “The government said from March they are supposed to give general workers R20,76 minimum wage per hour and they have not done so,” he explained. According to Ngomane, they tried to raise their concern before they took the decision to down tools. “We have communicated with Nelspruit Construction, however, we realised that it did not understand our needs. We then applied to picket at the entrance of the estate so the residents could also see that we are not happy, yet we work hard,” he said. Francois van der Merwe of Nelspruit Construction said they were aware of the workers picketing and they are currently negotiating with the relevant union. ALSO READ:Great gospel from the Ligwalagwala’s Lady of Soul “We are negotiating the five per cent wage increase they are demanding and as soon as we are done, we will give them feedback. The minimum wage for the general workers, we do not have a problem with paying and we will do so. We are currently implementing it and it was not done earlier because of Covid-19. Regarding better treatment, they all know that if they are not happy, they can report the matter. We then get the relevant people to follow the necessary procedures and take the required steps,” he explained. Van der Merwe added that the workers will be informed as soon as the negotiations have taken place.