Johannesburg - Hundreds of people working at the Sun City resort in the North West protested outside the resort's premises on Saturday, said Cosatu.
The trade union federation's North West regional secretary Solly Phetoe said the protesters were demanding the immediate re-instatement of between 200 and 250 of their colleagues, who were fired during the week.
“The protesters allege that management has placed video cameras in toilets and in the kitchens to monitor them,” said Phetoe.
Some workers were fired for allegedly spending too much time in the kitchen and rest rooms, while others were alleged to have been filmed stealing, Phetoe said.
He called on the resort's management to provide proof of this by showing the material it had.
The workers have been on an unprotected strike since Friday.
Sun International spokesman Michael Farr denied the protesters were Sun City employees.
“They are employees of one of four of our service providers who have decided to take disciplinary action against them with respect to theft at Sun City.”
Farr said it was up to their employer to deal with the matter and Sun International and Sun City could not intervene as none of their direct staff was involved in the matter.
Phetoe said the protesters had damaged some vehicles and assaulted workers who had chosen to report for duty.
“The Congress of the SA Trade Union (Cosatu) was there to try to prevent any violence.
“We are here with police and they are trying to get management to talk to the people,” said Phetoe.
“They say if management doesn't address them, they will sleep here,” he said.
“My presence here is to ensure that we do not see another Marikana,” said Phetoe.
He was referring to the events of August 16, 2012, where 34 people, mostly striking mineworkers, were killed in a confrontation with police at Marikana.
“Rustenburg police are known for shooting,” said Phetoe.
While Phetoe had said around 3000 people were part of the protest, however Farr said they were aware of only around 100.
Police were keeping watch over the situation. - Sapa