Workers of a company in Hectorton were up in arms on Tuesday afternoon, demanding a wage increase.
Among their grievances, they claimed that some of the workers are earning as little as R2 000, whilst their white counterparts can afford houses and a decent living. Strikers said this is unfair as most of the black workers in the company live in poverty.
The Herald spoke to one of the strikers who wanted to remain anonymous.
The striker said, “If you look at the situation here, only the black people are on strike. This is mainly because we are the ones suffering. We honestly feel the company is not compassionate enough, because the salaries that some people are getting are not enough. People are being paid peanuts!”
The striker said many employees have families to take care of and they are unable to do so because of their low wages.
“Things have become worse because now that VAT has increased by one per cent,” the striker complained.
The striker said the workers have pleaded with the company but nothing has been resolved yet. The issued was allegedly also taken to the Labour Court but they are still awaiting the outcome.
The Herald attempted to contact the management of the company, but there has been no response yet.
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