Picketing restaurant workers clash with security officers at Bedford Square

A group of protesting trade unions has clashed with security guards at Lupa restaurant inside the Bedford Square Centre while marching against the exploitation of workers.

The restaurant is accused of not complying with labour law regulations.

The Food and Allied Workers Union, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, and other unions are marching on behalf of its members

The group of trade unions disrupted patrons who were enjoying their Italian cuisine at the Lupa restaurant on Wednesday afternoon.

Some customers walked out of the establishment as protestors were waving placards calling for the closure of the restaurant.

Security personnel asked the group to vacate the premises

The chairperson of the bargaining council for the Restaurant, Catering and Allied workers, Lestja Minyuku, explained why their cause.

"In the sector that we are operating in, particularly in the fast food and restaurant sector, there is a high level of exploitation, hence you see us here."

Moreover, some of the restaurant workers at high-end restaurants have complained they’re getting paid far below the prescribed minimum wage of R6,000 per month.

Minyuku claimed that the restaurant employees only get paid from tips and not a basic salary.

“If you can count the average of R500 a week which is what these employees are taking home, which is accumulated from the tips from the customers and the employers are pocketing the whole profit for themselves and employees are donating their labour and left with nothing.”

The manager of the restaurant said he has called the owner to address the group.