A group of workers on a Raubex Infra road project in Beaufort West, South Africa, have downed tools over a wage dispute and allegations of racism. The workers claim they are being paid below the prescribed minimum wage of R57 per hour, with some stating they earn as little as R31 per hour. They have been employed on the project for about four months, performing roadworks and civil engineering duties.
According to the workers, tensions escalated after they raised concerns about their pay with management. They alleged that they were threatened with dismissal if they went on strike, leading to a heated confrontation with a manager. The workers claim that during this meeting, the manager used a racial slur, saying "all the K*** should get out of his office."
Community activist Farally Everson has also raised concerns about the treatment of local workers on the project. Everson alleged that one of the supervisors called some workers the K-word and expressed concerns about the awarding of work to two companies providing security and occupational health and safety services. These allegations have been formally referred to Raubex's human resources and industrial relations departments for investigation.
Raubex senior administrator Caro Uys confirmed that the company was aware of the concerns raised by workers and had launched an internal investigation into the allegations. Uys stated that the project operated under the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industry framework and that the company's remuneration practices were aligned with bargaining council requirements and South African labour legislation.
According to Uys, protest action started last week Tuesday, with workers restricting access to the project site and disrupting normal construction activities. Raubex Infra has engaged with labour representatives and relevant stakeholders regarding the concerns raised, including those relating to wages and working conditions. The company has "zero tolerance for racism, discrimination, harassment or any other form of inappropriate workplace conduct."
The workers, who are Beaufort West residents, said they would continue to down tools until their demands were met. They expressed frustration that despite their efforts to raise concerns through official channels, their grievances had not been addressed. The situation remains unresolved, with Raubex Infra committed to engaging constructively with the relevant parties towards resolving the matter.
The incident has highlighted concerns about labour practices and workplace conduct on projects in South Africa. The company's commitment to treating employees with dignity and respect will be tested as it navigates the investigation and negotiations with workers.
Key points
- Workers on a Raubex Infra road project in Beaufort West have gone on strike over a wage dispute, claiming they are paid below the prescribed minimum wage.
- An internal investigation has been launched into allegations of racism, including the use of a racial slur by a manager during a confrontation with employees.
- Raubex Infra has committed to engaging with workers and relevant stakeholders to resolve the matter, citing a "zero tolerance" policy for racism and discrimination.
