Close to 100 workers contracted by a Nelson Mandela Bay-based company, Accurate Reworks Systems (ARS), yesterday protested outside MA Automotive in Berlin demanding better pay and annual leave benefits.
The workers, based inside the MA Automotive premises, accused ARS of exploiting them, saying they were being paid low wages.
ARS is contracted by MA Automotive, a company which produces panels for Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
Workers yesterday demanded that ARS owner Mncedisi Mdwayi attend to their demands.
Amanda Mazwi said their company was treating them like slaves. “We work hard for this company and yet the rewards are minimal. We are still getting between R21 and R30 an hour and we are not getting any annual bonuses.”
She said many of those who were protesting came from Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage. “These people have to rent here and are expected to send money back to their families.
“At the end of the year they are expecting bonuses but we are not getting any. We are not happy with this.”
Mdwayi said he was doing his best to make his employees happy but they did not appreciate his efforts.
“This is a new company and they demand things that I am currently sorting out. I didn’t expect them to stop working as I was with their representatives and department of labour officials. I have told them that by next week I will be paying them.”
He said the protest would impact badly on his company.
“I don’t know what next these people will do. I am asking myself why these people have decided to engage in such action.”
Another employee, Thandikhaya Tinikini said they were tired of “lies”.
“Last year it was the same where workers didn’t get any bonuses and annual leave. We have had enough,” said Tinikini.
MA Automotive plant manager Edward Matthysen said the protest was peaceful and was not affecting them.
“It’s a peaceful protest outside the firm and no trucks or vehicles are prevented from entering the plant.
“We are not affected and Mercedes-Benz South Africa is not affected by this,” said Matthysen.
Protest outside Berlin firm
The workers, based inside the MA Automotive premises, accused ARS of exploiting them, saying they were being paid low wages.
ARS is contracted by MA Automotive, a company which produces panels for Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
Workers yesterday demanded that ARS owner Mncedisi Mdwayi attend to their demands.
Amanda Mazwi said their company was treating them like slaves. “We work hard for this company and yet the rewards are minimal. We are still getting between R21 and R30 an hour and we are not getting any annual bonuses.”
She said many of those who were protesting came from Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage. “These people have to rent here and are expected to send money back to their families.
“At the end of the year they are expecting bonuses but we are not getting any. We are not happy with this.”
Mdwayi said he was doing his best to make his employees happy but they did not appreciate his efforts.
“This is a new company and they demand things that I am currently sorting out. I didn’t expect them to stop working as I was with their representatives and department of labour officials. I have told them that by next week I will be paying them.”
He said the protest would impact badly on his company.
“I don’t know what next these people will do. I am asking myself why these people have decided to engage in such action.”
Another employee, Thandikhaya Tinikini said they were tired of “lies”.
“Last year it was the same where workers didn’t get any bonuses and annual leave. We have had enough,” said Tinikini.
MA Automotive plant manager Edward Matthysen said the protest was peaceful and was not affecting them.
“It’s a peaceful protest outside the firm and no trucks or vehicles are prevented from entering the plant.
“We are not affected and Mercedes-Benz South Africa is not affected by this,” said Matthysen.
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