[South Africa] Temporary election workers complain about working conditions and pay

South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is facing allegations from temporary workers hired to assist in the voting process, following the May 29 elections, MSN reports.

Election workers have come forward to complain about delayed payments, underpayments, excessive taxation and harsh working conditions.

One of the main grievances the temporary workers reportedly raised involves alleged irregularities in their compensation. Several workers reported significant payment delays, leading to financial strain and frustration. 

In addition, some workers were not paid the amounts they were promised, only increasing their financial problems.

Many workers reportedly stated that the payments they did receive were unexpectedly taxed, reducing insufficient compensation further.

According to reporting from Independent Online, multiple sources stated that the affected individuals were overworked and denied basic rights such as breaks and lunch periods.

Workers were required to begin shifts at 6am on May 29 and continue working until 6am the following morning, without adequate rest or breaks, Independent Online said.

The negative impact of such issues on temporary workers is evident with delayed or insufficient payments leaving many struggling to make ends meet.

Election workers play a crucial role in facilitating the democratic process and they say they deserve fair compensation and humane working conditions.

The IEC responded to the complaints, stating it had managed to pay 68 per cent of all staff across various election projects, including election day staff, on June 8. It said a further 8 per cent would be paid on June 15 and that it aimed to conclude payments within the prescribed period of 30 days.

The IEC reportedly said delays had been caused by outstanding information such as banking details and incomplete documentation required for payment.

It claimed that it had no control over the issue of tax deductions and stated that this was done in strict accordance with Sars rules embedded in the payroll system.

“For concerns about taxation, Sars may be approached to explain their rules,” it added.

On the matter of working conditions, the IEC reportedly said that workers were told in advance they might be expected to work until all election processes had been concluded and that presiding officers had been trained to manage staff to allow for breaks.

Source: MSN (via Independent Online)

(Quotes via original reporting)

South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is facing allegations from temporary workers hired to assist in the voting process, following the May 29 elections, MSN reports.

Election workers have come forward to complain about delayed payments, underpayments, excessive taxation and harsh working conditions.

One of the main grievances the temporary workers reportedly raised involves alleged irregularities in their compensation. Several workers reported significant payment delays, leading to financial strain and frustration. 

In addition, some workers were not paid the amounts they were promised, only increasing their financial problems.

Many workers reportedly stated that the payments they did receive were unexpectedly taxed, reducing insufficient compensation further.

According to reporting from Independent Online, multiple sources stated that the affected individuals were overworked and denied basic rights such as breaks and lunch periods.

Workers were required to begin shifts at 6am on May 29 and continue working until 6am the following morning, without adequate rest or breaks, Independent Online said.

The negative impact of such issues on temporary workers is evident with delayed or insufficient payments leaving many struggling to make ends meet.

Election workers play a crucial role in facilitating the democratic process and they say they deserve fair compensation and humane working conditions.

The IEC responded to the complaints, stating it had managed to pay 68 per cent of all staff across various election projects, including election day staff, on June 8. It said a further 8 per cent would be paid on June 15 and that it aimed to conclude payments within the prescribed period of 30 days.

The IEC reportedly said delays had been caused by outstanding information such as banking details and incomplete documentation required for payment.

It claimed that it had no control over the issue of tax deductions and stated that this was done in strict accordance with Sars rules embedded in the payroll system.

“For concerns about taxation, Sars may be approached to explain their rules,” it added.

On the matter of working conditions, the IEC reportedly said that workers were told in advance they might be expected to work until all election processes had been concluded and that presiding officers had been trained to manage staff to allow for breaks.

Source: MSN (via Independent Online)

(Quotes via original reporting)