Spur Investigates Claims of Poor Pay and Long Hours at Cape Town Restaurant

What the Workers Say

Employees at Malibu Spur in Bayside Mall, Table View, say they are treated unfairly. They claim they work up to 14 hours a day but only get paid about R2,000 a month. Some say they are not given payslips or signed contracts. They also say they are not allowed to use the restaurant's bathrooms and must ask permission to take breaks.

One worker said she was fired after asking for her contract and payslip. Another worker said he was fired when a customer left without paying, and he had to pay for the meal himself.

What the Law Says

In South Africa, the law says workers must get at least the national minimum wage. Workers must also get payslips, written contracts, and reasonable working hours (not more than 45 hours a week). Tips cannot be used to replace wages.

What the Franchise Owner Says

The owner, Lynton Cassel, says the restaurant follows the law. He says they hold monthly meetings for workers to raise issues. He also says they have passed government inspections since 2022. He says they are investigating the complaints and want to solve them.

What Spur Corporation Says

Spur Corporation (the company that owns the brand) says each restaurant is independently owned. They say the franchise must follow the law. They say they have started a thorough investigation. If the franchise broke the law, it must fix the problems or face action.

What This Means for Workers

Workers should know their rights. You must get at least the minimum wage, a written contract, and payslips. If your boss does not give you these things, you can complain to the CCMA or the Department of Employment and Labour. Keep records of your hours and pay.

This article was originally published on TimesLIVE.