The Food and Allied Workers’ Union (F.A.W.U.) is deeply saddened to announce the first COVID-19 related death on 28 May 2020 of one of our union members, comrade Monica Mphatsoane employed by RCL Food Processors in Worcester in the Western Cape . She was married and leaves behind four children. We are at a loss for words over the passing of one of our own, particularly as she and other members have expressed concerns over the number of infected employees at the plant. Our hearts and prayers go out to the bereaved family during this difficult time.
COVID-19 regulations and the uncooperative stance of some companies in the industry makes it difficult for the union to get access to members in order to ensure that work places are practicing the appropriate precautionary measures to protect their employees.
FAWU is outraged at this RCL branch that refused to communicate with the union after various attempts to engage the company over members’ unease about how the company is dealing with positive COVID-19 cases. FAWU had to request the intervention of the Department of Labour just to establish whether the company is in compliance with COVID-19 health and safety regulations since we could not get the information from the company in the first place. While the company did shut down for a 24- hour period, members are still concerned over quarantine facilities for those who are not able to self-quarantine since many workers live in small, crowded houses. For those who were tested at state health facilities, waiting periods can take seven or more days for results. For this reason, FAWU calls on RCL to rather provide private testing for all its employees which yields quicker outcomes as we believe the latter will assist many potentially COVID-19 positive members to get immediate medical care.
It is terribly frustrating that some companies are not forthcoming with information over their COVID-19 work place measures. This causes confusion and frustrations amongst our members who then rightfully request the involvement of the union to advise them on health and safety issues. We appeal to these companies to avoid creating panic and unnecessary fear amongst members and to allow the union to do its job whilst it adheres to COVID-19 regulations.
Food and beverage sector members were declared essential service workers during this pandemic and felt like that they had no choice but to continue working. Our members are scared to get up each day to go and work but unselfishly continues to do it to ensure food production and supply for the nation and take care of their families.
It is imperative that businesses allow unions access to members to assist them and to create awareness amongst its constituency about COVID-19 regulations and compliance in the work place as we have seen an increase in unfair labour practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact the FAWU General Secretary Mayoyo Mngomezulu on 082 440 4039. Released by FAWU Media Liaison Officer, Dominique Martin -082 498 5631
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