Steers responds to viral video showing alleged worker exploitation
Popular South African fast-food chain Steers says it is investigating a viral video showing workers in its uniforms doing gardening
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Popular South African fast-food chain Steers has issued a response in the wake of a viral video showing workers in its uniforms doing gardening, amid backlash from social media users who have accused the company of exploitation.
In a video that since gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), several men in a Steers uniform can be seen performing gardening work and other outdoor tasks until a man driving past asked them why they were doing gardening work.
It is unclear where the incident happened.
One of the men can be seen responding, “Eish, go itsi Modimo fela” (Only God knows). Following this, the man stops his vehicle and requests to speak to the owner.
In a statement released on Thursday, Steers confirmed that the workers had been asked to remove excessive weeds due to delays in landlord maintenance. While keeping the exterior clean is important, Steers said this work should not have been done by staff and described the manager’s decision as a wrong judgment call.
"Our staff are the heart of our brand. This is not standard practice at Steers and is unacceptable".
The company also added that it has since taken action, including issuing a formal notice to the franchisee, retraining all managers on labour practices, engaging the landlord for proper maintenance, and implementing clearer operational guidelines to prevent recurrence.
"Steers is committed to addressing practices that undermine our food safety standards and the dignity and working conditions of our staff. We value our customers and team members deeply, and they are always our top priority!".
The clip caused widespread outrage on social media, with users expressing shock and frustration at what they perceive as the exploitation of workers.
X @sikie4 user responded to the clip by accusing the fast food retail giant of "abusing its employees.
"Stop this nonsense of abusing your staff. Customer complaints about bad service only to find out you are overworking your staff. They no longer have any energy left to face your customers. STOP IT. If you need your bushes to be trimmed, get a gardener for that".
Another user, Leonardo_Moeti, said this issue extends beyond Steers and affects many workplaces in South Africa.
"This is happening in many working places in South Africa, and there's no one to defend the workers because these Unions eat at the same table with the Employees. They will refuse because there is no concrete evidence."