ADCP has described the plight of parking marshals who collect money from motorists in Cape Town's parking lots as a stain on the reputation of one of the country's wealthiest cities.
The party says it is unacceptable that workers struggle to access basic facilities under this scheme, even though they are employed through contractors. This follows claims by some parking marshals that their employers do not provide them with toilet facilities while on duty.
“I'm still having a really hard time getting drinking water and going to the bathroom and I don't know where to go. I'm going to apply for a permit at the police station there, I applied to another gentleman there. Not yet. “I'm waiting, but there aren't many public restrooms here,” the sheriff said.
“We go to the buildings around where we work and ask. You go and ask for the bathroom. Some will allow you, some won't, but you don't have a choice so you force them. Go inside,” another added.
“Some people don't allow us to use the facilities. We end up going around the corner to relieve ourselves on the street because we have to take care of our cars,” another sheriff lamented.
Even though Congress has passed several laws promoting and protecting workers' rights during 30 years of democracy. These parking marshals argue that some of these rights remain a pipe dream for them. They work 8 hours a day. The City of Cape Town says monthly revenue will depend on parking occupancy and payment rates. Street parking costs R4.80 per 15 minutes. Cape Town City Councilor Rob Quintas explains.
“Street Parking Solutions (SPS) is contracted by the city to manage on-street parking bays in high demand areas. It is important to note that they are employed by SPS and not the City of Cape Town and, as such, SPS is responsible for all labor matters.”
ACDP has vowed to fight for these workers. The party's Marie Sukers said she hoped they would get not only the jobs but also the dignity they deserve.
Can you imagine what that feels like? It's a physical pain for someone who takes eight hours a day to go to the bathroom. ACDP wants to emphasize the importance of giving people not only employment but also dignity, and providing not only quality of life but also spiritual well-being. It is a stain on the reputation of one of our country's wealthiest cities that people are forced to find a toilet while employed by the City of Cape Town, even through a third party. ”
On-Street Parking Solutions denied these claims and said parking wardens have access to restrooms if needed.
The company says it has restrooms in its offices as well as public restrooms, and that it has some tacit agreements with retailers and restaurants regarding the use of its facilities.
Parking marshals claim they have no knowledge of such an agreement.