Minister Nxesi welcomes fines for a company that flouted labour laws and disregarded pandemic regulations
No company should ever think that they can operate in South Africa and not comply with the labour laws that have been designed to protect both workers and employers.
This was said by the Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi at the conclusion of a trial of a company that was fined for being in breach of labour laws.
“We welcome the decision of the Durban Specialised Criminal Court in fining Chen Lu Fragrances CC heavily for locking in 14 employees to ensure that they met the targets of producing surgical masks. Particularly during this time of COVID-19, it is important for the workers to stand up for their rights and report abuse as workers in these company did.
“Our Inspection and Enforcement Services does a good service but working hand in hand with workers, it is possible to end workplace exploitation and we appeal to workers to report abusive behaviour at work. We are aware that there are companies that have taken advantage of the emergency nature of work during the pandemic and are using this to excuse to exploit workers," said Minister Nxesi.
The company was accused of using the lockdown fears of unemployment to force workers into long hours of which it was fined R20 000 of which R15 000 was suspended for five years. They were also fined for failure to trade under lockdown with a required license and fined R50 000 of which R35 000 was suspended for five years.
The company was also found guilty of failing to provide a safe and healthy working environment for their staff of which they were fined R20 000 with R15 000 suspended for five years.
The company was also ordered by the Chinese Consulate to donate masks worth R200 000 to the South African Police Service and the office of the KZN Premier.
“The operations of the company were in direct conflict with the COVID-19 regulations. They did not even provide for physical distancing and thus put the lives of many workers and their extended families at risk.
“Every day the Compensation Fund is receiving claims of workers who have contracted the virus for being exposed at work. A total of 1215 claims have been received so far and it is actions of companies like this that expose workers to fatal dangers of the pandemic. At least 98 claims have been received from KZN and it is our plea that companies need to do right by their employees who remain their most valuable asset and not expose them unnecessarily to danger," said Minister Nxesi.
For media enquiries contact:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
082 697 0694
“Please continue to adhere to the lockdown regulations. Stay home, wear your mask, wash your hands regularly and keep maintaining the social distance."
