A group of cleaners in Makhaza have downed tools after their August salaries were not paid by their employer, Ithalomso Waste Management.
The workers said they had been paid their salaries on the last day of the month for the last three months.
The company had given then an instruction of no work no pay.
One of the workers, Nokuthula Bhulani, said they did not receive a proper explanation why their salaries were not paid or any assurance when they will be.
Ms Bhulani said they had done their job of cleaning and collecting waste.
She said they are worried because the previous company that employed them did not pay them for three months.
“We fear what might happen next because of our experience with the last company. We have not experienced this with the current company but they all started like this. We only want to get our salaries which we worked for. We have debit orders and funeral policies that we need to pay but by the looks of things they are going to lapse. Even the nature of the payslips that we get is not of a professional standard meaning that we cannot even open clothing accounts. We have not paid educare centres and we do not even have groceries at our homes.”
Ms Bhulani said if ward councillors approve the appointment of companies they need to ensure that they bring well established companies that are able to pay their workers.
The workers also questioned the overtime pay rate.
Chief Executive Officer of Ithalomso Waste Management, Andile Ndevu, denied allegations that the company did not send correspondence to their workers about the payment delay.
He said the company is aware there have been delays in salary payments for some of the areas they are servicing.
“This is due to the fact that our client has delayed paying our invoices for the past month.”
He said they understand the frustration this has caused and they want to assure workers that they are doing everything in their power to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
“We have been in constant contact with both the client and senior supervisor to keep everyone informed. The reality is that, for us to pay workers, we first need the client to settle the outstanding invoices. We have received assurance from the client that the invoices will be paid on Thursday when the City conducts its pay run.
“We understand this situation is difficult and beyond our control, and we appreciate your continued understanding and patience as we work through it,” he said.
Mr Ndevu showed Vukani a letter they communicated to the workers indicating that with effect from April 30, there will be a change in their pay regarding weekends.
“Unfortunately, they will no longer be able to pay double on Sunday and time and half on Saturday. This decision comes after careful consideration of various factors and taking into account the Basic Conditions of Employment Act ( BCEA) section 16.”
