EFF statement on working conditions at Bidvest workers at OR Tambo
22 October 2018
The EFF is appalled by the working conditions for the workers at BidVest in the OR Tambo International Airport. On his way to Kigali, Rwanda, the CIC Julius Malema was convened by workers who told him of the painful slave conditions under which they work; cheap labour, no medical aid benefits, abuse and general disregard of human dignity.
Old women in painful tears, cried as they told story after story of abuse at the hands of BidVest managers. One of the workers earns R7000 per month, despite having worked for this company for over 20 years. With an injury on her knee, one that she sustained at work, she continues to work without any medical assistance. Majority of the workers in this company earn just over R3,OOO without any benefits. The workers are even refused the decency of leave when family members or next of kin passes on.
The CIC also heard about the chef who is not allowed to taste the food she cooks.
Even when she wants to drink water in her hot kitchen, she is not permitted to. Like all other workers, she is surveilled through cameras that are placed everywhere they work. They are treated like criminals in a prison, convicted of theft they never committed.