DELMAS — Workers at Plantcor in Brakfontein downed tools on Monday, 11 May and Tuesday, 12 May, as members of the PTAWU embarked on a strike over alleged unfair shift changes, reduced earnings and poor working conditions.
Workers gathered outside the premises early in the morning, singing struggle songs and picketing while demanding a review of the current shift system, improved compensation and better working conditions.
The dispute centres on a change from a four-on, four-off shift system to a three days and three nights rotation, which workers say has increased working hours while reducing rest time and take-home pay.
Employees allege that the previous system amounted to about 48 working hours per week, while the current arrangement requires up to 72 hours without corresponding overtime compensation.
“Our salaries are now smaller, yet we are working more hours. It doesn’t make sense to us. We are doing more but getting less,” said one worker.
Workers are also demanding improved weekend pay, calling for Saturdays to be paid at one-and-a-half times the normal rate and Sundays at double pay.
Several employees further raised concerns about alleged discrimination in the workplace, claiming that pregnant workers are removed from duty once their condition becomes known and remain without pay until maternity leave begins.
“Once you get pregnant, or they see that you are pregnant, or find out that you are pregnant, you are out of work and not getting paid at all till you give birth and come back to work,” workers alleged.
Workers also claimed that December leave is restricted, leaving employees unable to take time off during the festive period, which they say should be formally negotiated with management.
Yandisa Phungu, organiser for PTAWU, said the union had engaged both workers and management over the dispute and had escalated the matter to the CCMA, citing alleged intimidation of striking workers.
He also accused management of sending messages instructing employees to return to work and alleged that pressure tactics were being used against those participating in the strike.
Plantcor management had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication. However, Highveld Chronicle has seen an internal memorandum confirming receipt of the strike notice and outlining CCMA-guided picketing rules, including that the “no work, no pay” principle will apply to striking employees.
The memo also states that striking employees must comply with agreed picketing regulations and that non-striking staff are expected to continue working as normal.
The strike remained ongoing on Tuesday, 12 May, as workers continued their picket outside the facility while discussions between the parties were expected to continue.
Highveld Chronicle had not received an official response from Plantcor management at the time of publication.
