“We are not animals!”
Allegedly, the employers expected them to work 18-hour shifts, to drive trucks that are not roadworthy, never allowed them time to rest and did not pay them for overtime, didn't give them pay slips or paid basic salaries.
NEWCASTLE – “We demand to be treated with respect and dignity!”
This was just one of the cries for help from truck drivers of Ni-Da and Warlock Investments as they marched to voice their grievances against their employers on September 6.
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Allegedly, the employers expected them to work 18-hour shifts, to drive trucks that are not roadworthy, never allowed them time to rest and did not pay them for overtime, didn’t give them pay slips or paid basic salaries.
“We do not receive overtime or any other allowances such as food or living. We are expected to work these long hours with no rest. When we do try and address our boss with our concerns we are told to f*** off or find another job. We are tired of being treated poorly.”
The employees claimed they were sworn at by controllers over the radio on a daily basis, and often were the target of disrespectful and racist remarks. Apparently, management would issue employees with warnings without reason or explanation, making it hard for them to do their work while facing constant intimidation.
“We are not animals! We are human beings and deserve to be treated with dignity. We work hard for this company, and all we want is our basic rights as workers.”
As members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), the employees handed a memorandum to the Managing Director, Danie Wessels on September 6.
The company was given seven days to respond and come up with reasonable solutions.
The grievances and demands are as follows:
– Controllers should treat all truck drivers with respect, and not use vulgar language when speaking to them.
– Controllers should take accountability for not giving clear instructions to the drivers.
– Warnings issued without following company disciplinary procedure should be removed from employees’ files
– Management should treat all employees with respect and dignity
– Statutory forums should be established within the company and AMCU or work representatives should be given the right to represent workers on those forums.
– A monthly shop steward management meeting (workers forum)
– Establishment of an employment equity committee
– Establishment of a health and safety committee
– and any other committees required by law
– Demand for proper pay slips, and that the company stop making unlawful deductions from employees’ pay, and for the actual pay date to be known
– Demand for medical cards to be issued by the Bargaining Council for each employee
– Demand for a planned shift schedule with a resting period, and that leave be granted when requested
– Copies of employment contracts be given to all employees in full compliance in terms of the Road Freight National Council Collective Main Agreement.
Allegedly, Ni-Da secured a an interdict to prohibit protesters to come within a radius of 150 metres from Ni-Da premises, and police and members of Protection Services were summoned to remove the protestors outside the premises on October 11.
It was reported that at least four of the protest leaders were arrested after refusing to evacuate the area. Other protesters then gathered outside the police building, where they awaited the release of their leaders.
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The Newcastle Advertiser contacted Ni-Da several times for their side of the story, and was refused comment.
