eNCA (DStv 403) news anchors are complaining about a "toxic work environment" at the eMedia Investments run TV news channel carried on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform, with freelance news readers saying they're working without contracts.
TVwithThinus asked eMedia Investments on Wednesday if it can please say whether eNCA freelance news anchors, working late nights and weekends for instance, have contracts, and if not, why not, or how does it work?
Spokesperson Vassili Vass declined to answer the question specifically.
TVwithThinus also asked about Sally Burdett apparently promising news anchors contracts - something else that according to news anchors haven't happened and if eNCA and eMedia Investments has any possible comment or explanation.
eNCA anchors say they are living in fear of speaking out about their "toxic working environment", fearing that they'd be dropped from the news reading schedule.
"The company adheres to all labour laws of the country,' said Vassili Vass in response. "The matter of contracts, freelance and otherwise, is an internal matter on which we will not be drawn to comment in public."
"That said, certain freelancers who provide ad hoc services are paid on the provision of proper invoices, and any freelancer (or any employee for that matter) who feels like he or she has not been properly accommodated in that regard is free to approach our human resources department and the matter will be attended to."
"Should any employee have any grievances, there are properly established internal channels which deal with the issues."
"All employees are treated fairly and respectfully during this process, thus talk of a toxic environment are therefore false, defamatory and unfounded. It is in our view, mischief making."
The Star newspaper first reported on Wednesday about eNCA that is apparently flouting South Africa's labour laws.
eNCA news anchors told the newspaper they're living in fear, because they don't know how much they will be paid, don't have contracts that's required by law, and don't want to force the issue, fearing that they'll be let go.
One longtime eNCA news anchor told The Star that "If you complain you are removed from the roster. And there is no contract that you can go back to and say: 'But I have a contract to work this number of shifts a month".
The issue in in the public eye, although eNCA says it is an internal matter.
Also odd is that eNCA and eMedia Investments isn't willing to confirm that all eNCA freelance news anchors have signed contracts - as required by law - something that would put the issue to bed immediately.
