PASSOP welcomes the uniting efforts COSATU and NUM have made through unionising vulnerable workers. NUM this week, following complaints from workers, visited the Radisson hotel construction site.
During the visit NUM made clear that they were mandated to assist all workers and that the efforts Realcor Cape had made to divide workers compromised the rights of all workers. The visit was aimed to investigate the allegations made by workers, but also to participate in a meeting between workers and management. However the company cancelled the meeting as it appeared they were not comfortable having unionists present.
We join NUM in condemning the underhanded and illegal methods used by Realcor Holding to oppress and exploit their construction workers. These methods include assault, segregation, underpayment and intimidation. In their meeting NUM made an effort to include Zimbabwean asylum seekers and South Africans working at the site. The workers were greatly impressed by NUM and more than 50 membership applications from both Zimbabwean and South African workers have been submitted. The union is making huge steps towards integration among workers and will be representing them.
We believe they will help greatly in dealing with the terrible methods used by the company in question. Workers have for too long suffered exploitation. The divide and rule tactics employers have used aim to exploit both South Africans and foreigners. Companies like Realcore Holdings are largely responsible for inciting the horrific outbreaks of xenophobic violence seen in South Africa since May 2008.