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TimesLIVE reports that vehicle tracking company Cartrack has come under scrutiny after current and former employees said they were banned from using elevators and forced to take the stairs.
Moreover, silent zones are enforced and cellphone use is not allowed on office floors, with policy requiring that the devices must be placed in lockers. This is complained about in several social media posts about working conditions at the company’s headquarters in Rosebank, Joburg. In response, Cartrack said its intent was to create “a safe, respectful and health-conscious workplace” and added that its HR team had not received complaints.
Some of the social media posts included the following: “The owner has created a downright abusive environment. Employees are forbidden from using the elevators, even if they are injured,” and “Employees have to take the stairs every day and are not allowed to speak while doing so. There are people stationed near the stairwells with warning forms, ready to discipline anyone who says as much as ‘hello’”.
Cartrack said its Rosebank office block was rebuilt recently according to the design of a leading architect as a “walking building” to promote a healthy and efficient workplace. It added: “To ensure smooth movement across our floors and support a healthy working environment, all management and staff are expected to use the stairs. To prevent echoing through the building and contact centres, we have designated the staircases as silent zones.” Employees with medical conditions, injuries or pregnancies are given special concessions.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Yoliswa Sobuwa at TimesLIVE
- Read too, Top South African company denies allegations of ruthless workplace rules, at Newsday
Get other news reports at the SA LabourNews home page