FAWU+on+abuse+of+elderly+farm+worker

Food & Allied Workers Union
Vuyisile Mini Centre, Cnr NY1 and NY 110, Guguletu, 7750 - PO Box 1234 Woodstock, 7915 Tel (021) 637 9040, Fax (021) 637 9190 - E-mail: dominique@fawu.org.za


 * HEAD OFFICE**


 * 25 January 2006**

FAWU PRESS RELEASE

=UNION APPALLED AT ABUSE OF ELDERLY FARM WORKER=

The union is extremely shocked at the assault of an elderly farm worker, Mutile Ntamovu (66) by his employer at the Moreson farm in the Overberg district of Cape Town.

The worker was apparently assaulted in such a way that he broke a few ribs because the ruthless employer thought he was working too slowly. Fortunately the worker proceeded to lay charges against his abusive employer. Reporting such incidents does not happen often and we commend the comrade for being brave enough to do so. The union fully condemns the incident and is satisfied that the farmer was arrested. As a union organizing in the farming sector, we want to see that abusive farm owners are brought to justice and we will do whatever is necessary to see that this happens. Often these culprits get off to easily by paying a fine, etc.

It is sad and disturbing that these incidences of abuse and victimization of vulnerable farm workers continue on a daily basis on many farms countrywide. Unfortunately only a few cases are reported – often as a result of fear of intimidation from the employers. Although FAWU is busy recruiting farm workers nationwide, it proves to be a challenging objective as there are many obstacles such as getting access to farms, assault of organizers and victimization of workers for wanting to join the union. The union vows to expose cruel farm bosses that treat farm workers like pigs!

Dominique Swartz 082 498 5631
 * FAWU media office