The Citrus Growers Association and the industry we represent will continue to support farm workers in raising legitimate labour concerns and – equally - protect everyone in the industry from opportunistic political posturing. This past week has seen sporadic incidents of labour unrest in the citrus industry in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo regions. In the Sundays River area, operations have been brought to a standstill as uncertainty and misinformation regarding wages created uncertainty and an opportunity for political parties and other organisations to foster discontent.
Misinformation being spread by certain organisations is actively undermining legitimate discussions aimed at resolving the situation amicably. Non-government and political organisations claiming to represent worker interests, for instance, are wilfully ignoring the additional services that many farm owners provide to their employees, including housing, schooling for their children, daily crèches and healthcare.
Where there is any alleged mistreatment of farm workers we are calling on those affected to not only report these incidents to the authorities but to also inform the Citrus Growers’ Association.
Any standstill in an industry that works with a perishable product not only affects production on the farms, but also negatively affects the entire value chain including farm workers, growers, packers, transporters, and importers, all of whom are prevented from doing their jobs.
All employees deserve fair pay, and we trust that this matter will be addressed with the urgency it deserves. At the same time everyone must remain vigilant of political opportunism that seeks to use people’s valid concerns as fodder for their own aims and ambitions.
While the Citrus Growers Association does not engage in employer/employee negotiations or disputes, we will always work tirelessly to protect the 80 000 jobs and the industries contribution towards the South African economy.
For more information:
Justin Chadwick
Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA)
Tel: +27 83 654 9591