The Engen garage recently accused of forcing petrol attendants to do gardening work has bowed to pressure and will hire a company to do the work.
The Engen Stadium Filling Station in Mamelodi will also distribute new uniforms after it emerged workers had run out of uniforms, with some having to wear flipflops while servicing cars.
The latest development came after Sowetan reported the plight of workers last month following similar allegations about a Steers eatery in Gauteng.
Engen Petroleum told Sowetan that after its intervention, which included interviews with workers, the garage has resolved some issues.
The franchise has moved to appoint an external service provider to carry out non-fuel-related work and has addressed concerns around uniforms and bonuses.
“The dealer has undertaken to ensure staff perform roles according to their contracts of employment and will employ other contract services for roles outside the staff’s employment contracts,” said Engen spokesperson Gavin Smith.
“The matter relating to uniforms was addressed in December. Proof of purchase was provided, and new uniforms were distributed to staff accordingly. Salary payments have been made in full. Bonus payments were split between December and January,” he said.
Workers at the filling station claim their manager has been ruling with an iron fist, and they comply for fear of losing their jobs.
Workers also claimed the manager locked toilets from 6pm until 6am, forcing workers to relieve themselves in nearby bushes. Smith said this matter was also addressed.
“Customer-facing toilets are routinely locked due to ongoing incidents of vandalism. However, employees have access to toilet facilities at all times, including internal staff toilets, and are not denied access during night shifts,” said Smith.
“Engen remains committed to fair labour practices and to ensuring all dealers operating under the Engen brand uphold appropriate employment standards,” Smith said.
Meanwhile, the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (Mibco) confirmed it conducted an inspection at the same garage on Wednesday after a previous inspection in July 2025.
Mibco secretary-general Paulos Masemola said the inspection confirmed the employer had previously instructed employees to perform garden services during quiet times.
“The employer acknowledged he has been instructing his employees to perform garden services when the site was not busy and has ceased to do so after a meeting with Engen, the franchisor,” Masemola said.
He said bonuses for 2025 were paid in two portions in December 2025 and January 2026, provident fund contributions were up to date, and employees were last issued with personal protective equipment (PPE) in 2023.
Masemola said Mibco’s main collective agreement clearly outlines job descriptions for each job title and prohibits employers from assigning unrelated duties.
“No employer is permitted to use employees for any other task other than what is associated with his or her job title,” he said.
“Where a dispute arises, Mibco has trained designated agents who can conduct on-site job gradings. Findings may also be referred to the dispute resolution centre for arbitration.”
He encouraged workers in the sector to lodge complaints telephonically, via email or by visiting their nearest Mibco office.
Sowetan
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