LACO protesting outside Kara Nichha's, Pietermaritzburg in May.
IN KWAZULU-Natal, allegations of worker exploitation and poor labour practices have sparked confrontations between Labour and Community Organisations (LACO)and local businesses.
LACO's confrontation with businesses began early this year, primarily in Pietermaritzburg and other parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where the organisation alleged unfair labour practices, unsafe working conditions, unpaid overtime, and the employment of undocumented foreign nationals.
It conducted visits and protests at businesses including Daymed Private Hospital, SuperSave, Save Hyper, a furniture factory in Edendale, YCH, Checksave, Phoenix Cash and Carry, Shoprite and Kara Nichha's.
The campaign drew criticism from business organisations, which argued that LACO's methods amounted to intimidation and that labour disputes should be resolved through established legal channels.
