GEORGE NEWS - Allegations of racial insults. An illegal picket by suspended Wimpy York Street employees.
These are components of an unfolding drama that could end up in court.
The picket on Saturday 21 October came after eight workers were suspended pending a disciplinary hearing that was scheduled to take place at the premises that morning.
Ernest Vorster, the regional secretary of the United Workers Front (an independent trade union acting on behalf of the workers who were allegedly caught stealing) said, "My members were charged with 'temporary' theft and attempted theft, which the workers deny flatly. On 16 October the workers were called to a meeting with management and served with notices of suspension. It was also during this meeting that they were told it is in the coloured and black culture to steal.
"These same words were uttered to another union member (not an employee) who contacted Wimpy regarding the case. We wrote to Wimpy requesting the relevant information to prepare for the hearing, but received no response," said Vorster.
None of the suspended employees would speak to the George Herald, saying that their case hasn't been finalised and they do not want to jeopardise the proceedings. They referred all enquiries to Vorster.
Wimpy management confirmed that an unlawful picket took place outside the restaurant on Saturday. Wimpy Operations Executive Clint Ducie said, "The protest was staged by a small number of employees of the restaurant who were due to attend an internal disciplinary hearing that morning. No injuries or damage to property was sustained. The police subsequently dispersed the workers."
The statement continues, "Management has elected not to disclose the subject matter of the hearing, in order not to prejudice the employees. Furthermore, management notes that every endeavour will be made to resolve this matter amicably and within the restaurant's internal labour relations processes."
In response to a question regarding the allegation of racist comments, Wimpy replied, "Wimpy prides itself on a zero-tolerance approach to racism - in any form, anywhere in our business. We regard ourselves as a truly South African company striving to promote equal employment opportunities and catering to all consumers in this country."
PBI Cllr Virgil Gericke said on Tuesday 24 October that the suspended staff members have opened a case of crimen injuria and racism against the owner, Casper du Plessis, at the George police station.
George communications officer Constable Rachel Hendriks has confirmed that two cases of crimen injuria have been opened at the George police station relating to the alleged racial insults. "These charges will now be investigated."
Vorster said he will follow the legal route and apply for permission for a legal picket in front of the shop.
ARTICLE & PHOTO: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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