The union representing workers at a strike-hit confectionery factory owned by South Africa’s Premier FMCG claims safety rules at the facility are being ignored.
Simunye Workers Forum (SWF) claims several casual workers, who have been brought in to help keep the Mister Sweet factory in Germiston going following the walkout by permanent employees, have been injured because they have been asked to “handle dangerous and unfamiliar machinery”.
SWF also claims Premier FMCG has brought bunk beds into the factory for the casual workers to sleep on.
In a statement sent to Just Food, the union said: “The SWF has been informed that several casual workers have been seriously injured over the past week in the Mister Sweet factory after Mister Sweet bosses put pressure on them to handle dangerous and unfamiliar machinery.
“Last week a casual worker who had no experience or training was using
the cutter. It was not moving sweets and because the worker had not been
trained on what to do, he tried to push the sweets under the cutter and
that is how his finger was cut off, workers say.
“Workers also report that casuals are operating the cooker, which can be
dangerous, without training.”
A Premier FMCG spokesperson said the company is “not in agreement” with the comments made by SWF.
The union also said the casual workers have not been informed what work they've signed up for. It said most employees believed they would only be packaging packets of sweets into boxes rather than using cutting equipment.
SWF additionally attached a photograph to its statement, which it claims shows the bunk beds Premier FMCG moved into the factory last week for casual workers to sleep on.
“These casual workers were not told they would be sleeping in the factory in crowded and unsanitary conditions without access to proper bathrooms. They were only told they were being hired for work and accommodation would be provided. They were unaware that they would be crowded into the factory itself,” the union said.
Just Food has put these allegations to Premier FMCG.
The company responded: “The Department of Labour met with management on-site today and have deemed Premier to be compliant with all health and safety requirements.”
It added: The business continues to operate with the balance of skilled employees supplemented by temporary staff. Premier has, and will continue to, engage with employees to resolve matters and ensure a safe working environment for all whilst ensuring business continuity.”
Premier FMCG did not comment on whether casual workers are expected to sleep at the factory.
Asked about the status of the strike, Premier FMCG said 385 out of 602 employees are participating in the strike, with some having returned to work over the past few weeks.
“Employees wishing to return to work have engaged with the company and the necessary steps have been taken to facilitate this,” it said.
“Premier continues to run our operations and distribute products to our loyal customers and consumers, albeit at reduced capacity.”
Workers at the factory downed tools on 19 August in a row over pay.
Premier FMCG asked a labour court in Johannesburg to intervene to stop the strike amid claims the action had turned violent but its move was thrown out.
According to SWF, workers are demanding a basic salary of R19,500 ($1,089) a month and those already on that pay level are looking for a rise of R15 an hour.
The Germiston factory also produces sugar confectionery under the Manhattan, Champion, Frutus, Candy Tops and Rascal brands for domestic and international customers.
