Earnings are pitifully low, there are all kinds of labour arrangements to the disadvantage of the workers. There is little training and upgrading of skills. Working conditions are dangerous with a high level of serious injuries and death at work. Internationally dock workers are among the most highly paid manual workers. In South Africa, however, workers who have the skills to move containers, bagged and bulk cargo, and operate equipment are earning less than many domestic workers.
Hourly rates are low, and work is uncertain.
In addition in many ports labour brokers are taking a high proportion of the wage bill as their operating charge. Tax is often being deducted unfairly from the pittance earned by the workers who can find they are robbed when they claim their tax back. Many workers find that the UIF deductions have not been paid over to the Fund when they make claims at the Department of Labour. All this is leading to a miserable life for the workers and their families. We find, however, that we appear deadlocked in the critical matter of wage negotiations and the guarantee of jobs in Durban and in other ports.