Women's rights are being disregarded in the contract cleaning sector, and a strike for better wages will continue until demands are met, a union said on Wednesday.
“These people work long hours, use chemicals which could lead to lung problems, have no maternity leave, no provident fund and absolutely no benefits. In this day and age that is unacceptable,” the SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu) said.
About 85 percent of Satawu workers in the ongoing strike were women, some of them single parents, national spokeswoman Mamokgethi Molopyane said.
If a “victory” wasn't achieved soon, a number of industries would be severely affected, she said. These included travel and tourism, malls, hotels, hospitals and old age homes.
“Soon companies who outsource their services will also feel the brunt of the strike.”
Six more unions joined the strike on Monday. This led to about 75,000 workers downing mops and washcloths by Wednesday.
Satawu is leading negotiations on behalf of the National Security and Unqualified Workers' Union, the SA Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers' Union, the National Union of Hotel Restaurant Catering, Commercial Health and Allied Workers, the SA Cleaners, Security and Allied Workers' Union, and the Democratic Union of Security Workers.
Two other unions representing workers - the Hotel, Liquor, Catering Commercial and Allied Workers' Union of SA and the Professional Transport and Allied Workers' Union of SA - went on strike last Monday.
The unions wanted the salaries of workers earning less than R2400 a month increased to R4200 a month. Those earning above R4200 should get a 10 percent increase.
Other demands included a yearly 13th cheque, an eight-hour working day, and for members in rural areas to be paid the same as their urban colleagues.
A dispute was declared and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration entered negotiations in July.
Molopyane accused management of not coming to the negotiating table with an offer worth considering. She urged the labour department to impose a basic minimum wage on the sector.
“The industry's record is appalling, continued use of labour brokers, terrible working conditions and... slave wages.”
Both the National Contract Cleaning Association and the Black Economic Empowerment Cleaning Association (Beeca) were hopeful an agreement could be reached soon.
Beeca chairman Trevor Ackerman said unions would have to address their demands to Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant.
“We have offered eight percent, plus a 13th cheque or bonus. The unions have to send a motivation to the minister, who ultimately has the final say,” Ackerman said. - Sapa