On Monday the 20th of March. The EFF and Ramatlabama community members,marched to Country Bird Holding's Mahikeng' based Ramatlabama hatchery to hand over the Memorandum of Demand. Mr Kennith Chuene, the operational manager, was on site to receive the Demands based on the company’s non-compliance of labour laws and unfair treatement of its staff.
The dispute alleges non-compliance towards the country's labour laws by the management of Country Bird Holdings company's Mahikeng operations premises in Ramatlabama, which has reached alarming proportions between management and the general staff.
Most of the local employees from Ramatlabama villages have used last month's shutdown by the EFF to finally use the platform to voice out their grievances against the company's management. These workers have told this publication that it has been for years that they have been allegedly exploited and neglected, in contrast to the country's labour laws.
The EFF had taken it upon themselves to engage the company regarding the provision of more business opportunities. Top of the list is the company policy towards their employees that stipulates that they are not supposed to bring any foreign foods from outside the hatchery. Instead, the company buys for their bread, milk, sugar, coffee, concentrated dilutable juice and instant porridge.
The local employees also feel aggrieved that the company's promotion policy for higher positions does not favour them, as they alleged that most supervisors are from the Limpopo province. They think the company needs to be more aware of them and consider them for skills development.
CBH, in their response to the EFF, stated categorically that the company is not obliged to engage any political organisations. In their response letter from Theunis Eloff, the company's Group Human Resources Director, the company's engagement is governed by the labour laws and regulations in South Africa, which recognise only local formally recognised structures and the elected workplace union (NUFBWSWA).
“While we appreciate your engagement with the company, we would like to inform you that the company is not obliged to deal with political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters. The company is bound by the provisions of the Labour Relations Act, which clearly stipulates that only registered trade unions can engage in collective bargaining with employers,” Eloff stated.
The letter further states that the company has a legal obligation to maintain political neutrality, "which means it cannot favour any political party or group over others. This obligation is enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa, which guarantees the right to freedom of association and participation in political activities," the letter further states.
Contrary to the company's claims, local employees interviewed by the publication, who asked for anonymity for fear of reprisals, have refuted these claims. "That union is a toothless dog, as our shop stewards have been scared of presenting our grievances to management over the years. Our bosses have cultivated a culture of divide and rule. Some of us are even scared to comment at meetings or on the bus that takes us to work because some of our colleagues have turned themselves into spies for the management. Most of those who voiced their opinions are no longer working there," stated the source.
The company's response also states: "Supreme Poultry makes a weekly donation of 720 eggs per week to a beneficiary in Ramatlabama, in support of a feeding scheme," a claim that was vehemently refuted by most locals interviewed. The residents also disputed the company’s claim that they do regular monetary donations to the community in support of events organised by the community such as the annual Ramatlabama Block Games, a soccer tournament held during the festive season.
"Most recently, donations were made towards building materials (R130 000), and further donations followed to support building a soup kitchen in the local area. Donations (R57 000) have been made towards the local annual Soccer Tournament, focusing on youth player development." the company further claimed.
In its closing remarks on the letter, the company emphasises that it will "take a strong view" should there be any disruption or interference with its operations. In response to our media enquiry e-mail sent to Eloff regarding these issues, he responded thus: " Thank you for your enquiry, but the company has no further comments to provide on these matters. Regards." Eloff concluded.
