Workers back at Enterprise, production still halted
The Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) says its members are back at work following the suspension of production at three factories due to the listeriosis outbreak.
Factory workers employed by Tiger Brands are back at work although production at three facilities is yet to resume.
Production has been halted at Enterprise Foods' factories in Polokwane and Germiston as well as a Rainbow Chicken facility in Sasolburg in the Free State.
FAWU general-secretary Katishi Masemola says the workers are assisting with cleaning and clearing of the factory.
"They are reporting for duty but they are literally doing what they had been requested to do as part of cleaning and clearing the facilities."
He says the employers have promised to protect the workers against listeriosis.
"We have had a meeting with management of Tiger Brands assuring us that the disease will not affect workers and that precautionary steps have been taken. A health occupational safety officers of the company suggested that they have plans in place for the sake of taking care of the workers' health."
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi offered to help the victims' families with potential litigation if they decide to take the matter further.
Motsoaledi updated the National Assembly on the deadly disease that claimed the lives of at least 180 people.
"There's no way we are going to keep quiet. Laws are available to take into account. They are going to be punished according to available legislation," Motsoaledi said.