STAFF at Mjindi Farming on the Makhathini Flats near Jozini, who downed tools in November, have been called in for disciplinary hearings while their grievances allegedly remain unresolved.
About 50 office staff at the organisation, which falls under the KZN Department of Agriculture, have been charged with embarking on an unprotected strike. Their grievances included a salary increase of 7% back-dated to 1 April last year, a thirteenth cheque, monthly housing allowance of R1 200 and for the company to pay their group life premiums.
During the strike, the workers handed a memorandum of grievances to the Head of Department, Mr Khuzwayo, but they say, to date, nothing appears to have been investigated or dealt with by the department.
‘We have not heard anything from anyone concerned at the Department of Agriculture and now they don’t even answer their telephones,’ said one of the staff members who asked not to be named.
On Monday the matter goes to arbitration. Meanwhile, each member of staff who participated in November’s strike has been invited to a disciplinary meeting next week.
While staff members remain unhappy about their working conditions, the farmers who rely on Mjindi Farming for the maintenance and supply of irrigation are allegedly dissatisfied over the lack of maintenance to infrastructure.
Their crops are reportedly dying as untended leaks have led to insufficient water for irrigation.
The Department of Agriculture Communications Manager agreed to look into the matter but, at the time of going to print, had not issued a statement.
