EFF backs striking Big Bucks employees in PE
IN its campaign to impress workers in Nelson Mandela Bay, the EFF yesterday stepped in and threw its weight behind striking workers at a Port Elizabeth second-hand goods company.
The strike by 13 workers at Big Bucks started on Saturday and has been joined by five EFF regional leaders who picketed with workers outside the firm’s Harrower Road offices yesterday.
The group, led by regional secretary Zilindile Vena, dressed in red, blew whistles and vuvuzela’s while they sang and waved placards vowing to close the business on Saturday, if workers’ demands were not met.
Vena said the workers had been battling for months to reach a comprise with Big Bucks owner Wayne Parry, regarding demands of a wage increase, sufficient lunch and tea breaks, provident funds and clearer job descriptions.
“It is about equality for workers, which the EFF stood to uphold. We promised that we would make sure all workers received a salary of at least R4 500.
“Workers at Big Bucks approached us for assistance. It is only the first step, but if these demands are not met we will close this shop,” Vena said.
However, Parry said all the workers’ demands, except for a R250 a week wage increase, had been agreed on. He could not afford the increase. “Of my 28 employees, 13 are on strike. We have had several meetings regarding these issues.
“The problem is I simply cannot afford to pay them each R250 extra every week. I have opened my books to the unions to prove it.
“Lunch breaks have been extended, and the employees know I am willing to set up a provident fund.
“These guys want specific jobs. But in a small business like this, it is not possible. If you are a driver, you need to help unpack furniture,” Parry said.
The EFF has set its sights on Nelson Mandela Bay in its campaign ahead of the next year’s municipal elections.
The party had a packed Motherwell stadium when its leader, Julius Malema, addressed thousands on Workers’ Day.
Big Bucks workers’ spokesman Welcome Blou, 65, said he had worked for the company for 11 years.
“After all my time, I am essentially still a casual because I have no benefits besides only a pay cheque [R850 a week]. This man is exploiting his workers.
“He is known for giving money to charities, but he overlooks his hard workers,” Blou said.