MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay Advertiser received complaints at the end of 2023 from three waitrons regarding labour practice at some restaurants in Mossel Bay. 

These waitrons say they are part of a group of waitrons who communicate with one another and that they represent the interests of a number of waitrons in town. 

Holiday period

They claimed that the restaurants kept a percentage of their tips - 50% of the tips of waitrons employed only for the holiday period and 20% of the tips of the permanent waitrons. 

The waitrons said they only received their percentage of their tips four to six weeks later. They claimed they were only paid R25 an hour, so earned very little if they did not receive their tips. 

Bank cards

They pointed out that most people pay their restaurant bills with bank cards, not cash, so the waitrons did not receive cash tips. The waitrons wished to remain anonymous. 

The restaurants responded to the Advertiser's enquiry about the complaints, saying the statements were false and that the restaurants operated within the ambit of the law. 

Department of Employment and Labour

The waitrons claimed the Department of Employment and Labour had not investigated complaints they had made in the past about pay and tips. The Advertiser enquired to the Department of Employment and Labour and asked for comment. The Department of Employment and Labour Western Cape spokesperson, Jason Lloyd, responded to the Advertiser, stating: "The department takes note of the claims and will investigate them thoroughly. A statement will be issued after the completion of the investigation."

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