Watch Video As Steers/ Debonairs Staffs Fights Over Unpaid Salaries
A labor protest has erupted at the Steers franchise located in the Berea Centre in Durban, where employees are demanding better wages. The workers allege they receive only R1,800 monthly, which is significantly below South Africa’s national minimum wage of R30.23 per hour, effective from March 1, 2026. Additionally, they report deductions of R200 for ‘stock money,’ which they claim is in violation of labor laws.
Video footage from the scene shows around 20 workers, primarily women, staging a sit-in outside the closed store. The atmosphere appears tense, with a franchise manager gesticulating animatedly, reflecting the heated emotions surrounding the issue. The protest has sparked public outrage as it sheds light on the exploitative pay conditions prevalent in the fast-food sector.
In response to the situation, Steers’ corporate representatives have promised an immediate investigation into the franchisee’s compliance with labor laws. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions within South Africa’s franchise model, where many outlets reportedly evade regulatory requirements due to economic stress and high unemployment rates.
The protest at Steers underscores the need for stronger enforcement of labor laws in the fast-food industry, as employees continue to fight for fair wages that reflect their work and the cost of living in South Africa.
Watch Video Below
