Three months after returning to work, workers at the Grand Select Company in Shayandima have embarked on another strike to demand better salaries. This follows after their employer, who is contracted to Telkom, allegedly failed to address their grievances, which include low wages and unsafe working conditions.

The workers install underground and overhead cables, as well as aerials, and replace poles for Telkom in most parts of the Vhembe region. Some of the workers complain that they have been working for the company for almost 10 years and still receive a very basic salary. They spent the whole of last week sitting at the company’s office in Shayandima, hoping to attract the attention of their employer.

Mr Takalani Ratshilivha, the foreman, said the payment was too little and did not comply with the minimum amount required by Labour Law. “Last year, our boss promised to increase our salaries by 15% in the second week of January, which did not happen,” he said. He said numerous attempts were made to convince the local labour office to intervene, but to no avail.

According to the workers they met with their boss the previous Thursday and he promised to get back to them, but since their last meeting he has never returned. “He told us that he would increase our salaries by R200, but that was not our initial agreement,” said Mr Ratshilivha. Talking to Limpopo Mirror last Wednesday, workers said their employer had only called the foreman, instructing him to tell them to go back to work. At least 22 workers who were on strike vowed not to go back to work until their disputes have been resolved. Workers also accused their employer of giving them payslips which reflected a different amount from what they were receiving.

A father of six and the sole breadwinner, Mr Jeffrey Khorombi (49), is a driver at Grand Select and earns R1 800 a month. Like other employees, he works for at least nine-and-a-half hours a day and six days a week. He has been working at the company for more than ten years now. He stays in Shayandima Township and he has to pay municipal rates on a monthly basis. He says his salary makes it difficult for him to maintain his family. “It is like I am not working. When I get home with dusty clothes, it is even worse to explain to my wife that I am coming from work,” he said.

Workers also complain about not having proper safety equipment such as boots and helmets and they have to buy uniforms with their own money. “It is like volunteering and your employer compensates you with that little money to buy lunch at the end of the month,” said Jan Molemo (51).

Limpopo Mirror made numerous attempts to get a comment from the employer. Voicemails and text messages were sent to the employer, Mr Zachariah Bopape, but to no avail. He initially said he was too busy to talk and he later switched off his phone.