EFF reaches agreement with Babel restaurant on workers’ rights

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says it’s reached an agreement with the Babel Restaurant to monitor its compliance with South African labour laws.

The party’s intervention follows a social media exposé by a former employee who accused the restaurant of exploiting employees and operating outside the law.

The Department of Employment and Labour led a sting operation at the restaurant on Sunday evening which resulted in the arrest of the owner and two undocumented foreign nationals.

EFF Tshwane Caucus Chief Whip, Godwin Ratikwane says: “We took initiative as the EFF to make sure that we go out there and protect the workers. So, our engagement was on the basis of fixing the problem, not to shut down the restaurant and we’ve had a very fruitful meeting with the company and they’ve made commitments. And then we’ve made sure that the workers are going to get everything they need according to the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act and also a minimum wage – plus the main agreement of the bargaining council just to make sure that nothing is untoward.”

PODCAST: Agreement reached between Babel Restaurant and EFF:

EFF statement on resolutions with Babel: 

EFF TSHWANE ANNOUNCES RESOLUTIONS WITH BABEL RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT.

Tuesday, 17 September 2024 pic.twitter.com/rZqcPy5Hp7

— EFF Tshwane Region (@TshwaneEff) September 17, 2024

Meanwhile, the Department of Employment and Labour has warned that it will crack down on restaurants flouting the law.

More details in the report below: