WATCH: Flamed grill or garden tool? Steers workers caught between burgers and bushes
Viral video reveals Steers fast-food staff engaged in gardening duties instead of serving customers, igniting discussions on management practices.
Image: screenshot
A VIDEO circulating widely on social media of employees of a Steers fast -food outlet in Menlo Park, Pretoria, trimming trees and pruning plants along the restaurant's side walk and garden instead of attending to customers has ignited debate around labour rights.
The footage, which quickly went viral across multiple platforms, show the Steers workers cutting branches, gathering leaves, and clearing pathways.
The video was recorded when trade union leader Lebusa Mamaregane of the South African Workers Union Ya Bashumi (SAWU) who happened to be passing by, noticed them.
Mamaregane expressed concern over them performing duties unrelated to their core roles and while speaking to the staff, was approached by the restaurant supervisor.
Mamaregane questioned the supervisor on why the chefs were gardening, to which he was told that he had no authority to instruct or question the workers.
"The supervisor told me I had no right to tell his workers what to do; he also said that he is from Zimbabwe, so he will instruct them," he said.
Mamaregane is recorded taking the shovels from the workers and throwing them across the road, declaring that what the supervisor was doing was wrong. He later explained that his intervention was motivated by concerns over worker dignity, safety, and possible labour violations.
Mamaregane added that when he spoke to the staff they told him that doing gardening was normal, but they were not paid for it. He also revealed that he was contacted by Steers after the video went viral.
"Steers sent me a message saying they want to intervene, and also, later, there was another man who came to the restaurant who also wanted to know what was happening. He also said that what the manager is doing to the workers is wrong."
Commenting on the video, Steers management said:
"All Steers staff are valued and are never required to do gardening or work outside their roles. We take this seriously and are immediately investigating. This will not be tolerated."
"Our staff members are important to us, and this is not acceptable. We take this matter seriously, and we are investigating this."
The incident has garnered mixed reactions online. Some social media users criticized management's oversight and questioned staffing practices, while others expressed amusement, describing the situation as misplaced priorities.