Workers at Ford Silverton subcontractor allege missing contracts, low pay and sexual coercion

A confidential tip-off to Newzroom dot Africa alleges that workers at Bay Automation, a subcontractor operating inside Ford Motor Company's Silverton plant in Pretoria, face missing written employment contracts, inconsistent pay of about R300 a day, possible gaps in UIF and PAYE compliance, alleged racism and claims that sexual activity has been linked to promotion opportunities.

The tip-off, provided by a worker who requested confidentiality, asks for an unannounced visit so affected workers can speak privately. It lists a series of allegations that, if verified, would point to possible non-compliance and abuse by a supplier working inside a major international car factory.

Allegations from the tip-off include:

• No written employment contracts or clear written terms and conditions for some workers.
• Possible non-registration or non-contribution to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
• Late and inconsistent wage payments.
• Reported pay of about R300 per day for an eight-hour day, usually five days a week.
• Different pay rates for workers doing similar or substantially similar duties.
• Concerns about PAYE and employer tax compliance.
• Very serious claims that sexual activity has been linked to promotion opportunities.
• Allegations of racism and mistreatment of Black employees.
• Fear among workers of retaliation, victimisation or losing their jobs if they speak out.

At the reported rate of R300 a day for five days a week, that amounts to about R1,500 a week or roughly R6,000 a month before deductions.

The tip-off says some concerns were also raised through Ford's internal Speak Up/ethics reporting channel, and asks that Bay Automation be given an opportunity to respond and that Ford's oversight of subcontractors at Silverton be examined.

Bay Automation's website describes the company as an industrial automation supplier that integrates FANUC robotics and Allen-Bradley control systems for the automotive production sector, which explains its presence at a vehicle assembly site.

Newzroom dot Africa treats these as allegations that require verification. Our planned investigation will seek documentary evidence such as employment contracts and payslips, records of UIF and PAYE registration or contributions where available, and multiple anonymous worker accounts to establish patterns rather than single claims. Where editorially and legally appropriate we will also seek comment from Bay Automation and from Ford, and place the allegations in the wider context of subcontractor compliance risks in South Africa's automotive sector.

The newsroom will take steps to preserve confidentiality and to minimise risks to those who come forward.